Disney’s Live-Action ‘Moana’ Announcement Leaves Fans Divided

On April 3, The Walt Disney Company held its Annual Shareholders meeting. At the beginning of the meeting, Disney CEO Bob Iger journeyed around Walt Disney World Resort, celebrating all that the company had accomplished. At one point during the video, Iger introduced Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Johnson was in his home state of Hawaii, walking on the beach with his daughters. Johnson talked about what growing up in Hawaii meant to him and what his culture means to him.

Then he made an announcement no one saw coming. Johnson announced that Disney was currently in the early stages of creating a live-action remake of its hit 2016 animated film, Moana. Moana was Disney’s first film to feature a Polynesian princess. Johnson famously starred as the demigod Maui, whose image was inspired by Johnson’s grandfather. We don’t know much about the new live-action film, but we do know that Johnson will continue his work with Disney and return as Maui.

You can watch Johnson’s announcement below, which was shared by Disney on Twitter.

JUST ANNOUNCED: From Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho, a live-action reimagining of Disney’s Moana is in the works!

JUST ANNOUNCED: From Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho, a live-action reimagining of Disney’s Moana is in the works! pic.twitter.com/rXjiHQzWv0

— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) April 3, 2023

Disney’s live-action remakes have been a point of contention among Disney fans for quite a while. Many were surprised by the announcement, since Moana only came out in 2016. Most of Disney’s live-action remakes are classics that came out decades ago.

Moana????
Moana from like 2016??????
Why are we doing this…what is the reason…

Moana????
Moana from like 2016??????
Why are we doing this…what is the reason… https://t.co/kaKbHCMvJi

— Maria Mondloch 🏳️‍🌈 (@MariaMondloch) April 3, 2023

Twitter user Steven T. (@steventphoto) wondered why Disney is bringing back original cast members for a live-action remake when they could just return for a sequel that will tell a new story.

I truly don’t get the point of this ? Why not a animted sequel a live action using the same Cast of the same movie so what’s the point? Couldn’t just give us a animted sequel

I truly don’t get the point of this ? Why not a animted sequel a live action using the same Cast of the same movie so what’s the point? Couldn’t just give us a animted sequel pic.twitter.com/QkMnpEjo7o

— Steven T (@steventphoto) April 3, 2023

While some were disappointed that Disney was already making Moana into a live-action remake, others were happy about the news, including Twitter user Princess Peach (@hecallsmePP).

What’s crazy is I’m not even mad about a live action moana film because yay diversity so I’m assuming this is an attempt to hit that key for them. If anything I’m confused because the film isn’t that old? Ultimately I don’t think the demographic they’re aiming for won’t mind.

What’s crazy is I’m not even mad about a live action moana film because yay diversity so I’m assuming this is an attempt to hit that key for them. If anything I’m confused because the film isn’t that old? Ultimately I don’t think the demographic they’re aiming for won’t mind.

— Princess Peach 🍑 (@hecallsmePP) April 3, 2023

Kent Alex Pedersen (@KentAPedersen) was also excited to hear that Disney’s Polynesian princess would be getting the live-action treatment.

Nice. Always hoped Moana especially would get the live action treatment. The animated film is the most vibrant looking animated movie Disney has made to date, not least because of the beautiful ocean and islands. When my kids were little, they watched it endlessly. Can’t wait.

Nice. Always hoped Moana especially would get the live action treatment. The animated film is the most vibrant looking animated movie Disney has made to date, not least because of the beautiful ocean and islands. When my kids were little, they watched it endlessly. Can’t wait.

— Kent Alex Pedersen (@KentAPedersen) April 3, 2023

Disney has several live-action remakes slated to come out this year. This includes The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan & Wendy, and The Haunted Mansion. Technically, The Haunted Mansion is based on the iconic Disney attraction, but it will be the second film to come out about the attraction. Eddie Murphy starred in The Haunted Mansion in 2003, but the movie was a huge flop. Fans are looking forward to the remake, which will star Rosario Dawson, Danny DeVito, Owen Wilson, Jared Leto, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Again, this new film is in the early stages of development, so we have very little information to share. Disney Fanatic will keep readers updated