According to Johnson, who reprises his role as the demigod Maui, the decision to proceed with a live-action version was straightforward. He explained that Disney approached him in 2019 with the concept. Johnson shared his perspective on adaptation timelines:
To be honest with you, I never bought into this idea that ‘you have to wait 20 years, you have you wait 30 years, it’s too soon.' I honestly never did, and not because I’m biased and I made the film, but because there’s themes and values in this, in animated Moana, that could translate really well if you saw a real human being going through it, and a real young girl going through it.
Director Thomas Kail, who helmed the original stage production of Hamilton, echoed Johnson's sentiment, suggesting that a decade is sufficient time between versions of a story. Kail noted the significant life changes that occur over ten years, impacting audiences who grew up with the original film. He also drew a parallel to theater, where revivals are common and aim to bring new life to familiar stories.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, returning to produce and contribute original songs, highlighted the importance of representing Pacific Islander culture in a tangible way through the live-action adaptation, providing jobs and opportunities. He also emphasized that the project would not have moved forward without the casting of Catherine Laga'aia as Moana, who was selected from over 32,000 submissions.
Miranda also specifically mentioned Johnson's suitability for the role:
Two, we have a window in which the perfect guy for the job can play the part, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, for whom we wrote it.
A notable aspect of Johnson's appearance in the film that garnered significant online attention is his use of a long, flowing wig. Johnson acknowledged the internet's reaction, finding it amusing and appreciating the humor. He described his initial response:
Anytime you see a first look at something, you’re looking at it through a keyhole. I knew; I was like ‘You’re not seeing the vast ocean of it all.’ It’s OK, give it time, I know we made a pretty good movie. And I get it, I’m a pretty well-known bald actor and you see me all of a sudden with long flowing locks and curls.
Kail further explained the creative decision behind Maui's hair. Initially, the character was conceived as bald during the development of the animated film. However, consultation with the Oceanic Cultural Trust, a group of Pacific Islander consultants, revealed the significance of Maui's hair.
‘Maui’s hair is his power, there is no Maui without hair.’ So there was never a question, so that’s why Maui had hair there and that’s why Maui has hair now.
Kail added that the wig, once integrated into the film's narrative, becomes less striking.
I think when you see it in the body of the film, you get used to it pretty quick. It’s not the strangest thing in the world!
The live-action Moana is scheduled to be released in theaters on Friday.
Featured names
- Dwayne Johnson
- Action Moana
- Captivating Newcomer
- Catherine Laga
- Johnson Invigorate
- Action Remakes
- First Reactions
- From Premiere
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Director Thomas
- Manuel Miranda
- Pacific Islanders
- Pacific Islanders
- Oceanic Cultural
- Trine Dyrholm
- Gutsy Danish
- Fruit Gathering
- Explores Dreams
- Young Female
- Textile Factory
- Exclusive Trailer
- Deadite Savagery
- Giving Gorehounds
- Headed Straight
- Three Ukrainian
- The Definitive Voice
- Emmy Nominations
- Dutton Ranch
- New Showrunner
- Taylor Sheridan
- Final Season
- Christopher Nolan
- Star Stunned
- Heath Ledger
- The Dark Knight
- Speech Grounds
- Taylor Swift
- Travis Kelce
- Wedding Details
- Competing Cuts
- Creative Differences
- Being Bullied
- Joining Middle
- Bombed Three
- Ukrainian Volunteers
- The Definitive Voice
- Nominations All
