The ‘Moana’ Theory: Fans Make a Dwayne Johnson Accusation Around the Live-Action Remake

Just six and a half years after Moana sailed into Disney fans’ hearts, Dwayne Johnson released the news of a live-action remake.

While the announcement landed well with die-hard Moana fans, it almost equally received criticism for how close the remake would be released to the original film. In contrast to the 6.5-year gap between the original and the remake, the next live-action remake to premiere, The Little Mermaid, will debut 34 years after the animated film captivated fans. More suspect than the remake’s proximity to the original, though, was Dwayne Johson’s timing.

Related: Hawaiian Locals Share a First Look at the ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Live-Action Remake Set

‘Moana’ Fans Might Not “Welcome” Johnson as Maui

Proudly presenting the reprisal of his role as the demi-god, Maui, Johnson shared his roots behind the role with his late grandfather, ​​High Chief Peter Maivia, in the film’s announcement video. If this news came during Johnson’s Jumanji (2019) and Jungle Cruise (2021) era when he had a “Rock” solid reputation, there might not be as much backlash from fans.

However, after Auliʻi Cravalho confirmed her ethereal voice wouldn’t be featured in the Moana remake, fans like @Wierd_o78033920 questioned Johnson’s intentions.

If she’s not going to play Moana but Johnson comes back as Maui then it’ll be the biggest confirmation this was all his idea.

If she’s not going to play Moana but Johnson comes back as Maui then it’ll be the biggest confirmation this was all his idea. https://t.co/mPy8tA7cP0

— Weird-O 🔞 (@Wierd_o78033920) May 19, 2023

Although Cravalho revealed her decision to allow a new Moana star to rise who more closely resembles the animated character, fans assumed her age might also be a factor considering she is 22 years old and Moana is a teen.

Despite being a bonafide actor, Johnson doesn’t have demi-god-like powers to age backward, and a more considerable lapse between films would make the 51-year-old’s presence in a remake less realistic. His confirmed appearance in front of and behind the camera for the polarizing live-action film positions him to take some onus over its production. He might be able to explain every natural phenomenon, but can he justify the Moana remake’s timeline?

On Twitter, @gustinFM joked about his multiple roles:

Plot twist: Dwayne Johnson is going to play every role in this movie.

Plot twist: Dwayne Johnson is going to play every role in this movie.

— Agustin (@gustinFM) May 19, 2023

On the heels of a controversial lawsuit, box office flops like Black Adam and DC League of Super-Pets, and a contentious cameo in Fast X, this Moana move appears to fans to be a calculated one.

Although no dates have been set for the live-action Moana feature film produced by Johnson and co-producers Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia to hit the big screen, the media certainly has its eye on Johnson’s next moves.