Dwayne Johnson confirms he is filming the live-action adapation of “Moana.".Photo: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / courtesy Everett Collection, Getty Images
What canDwayne “The Rock” Johnsonsay except, “You’re welcome!”
On Monday, the actor, 51, confirmed he will soonembark on production for the live-action adaptationof the 2016 Disney animated filmMoana.
“My next project that I will be shooting is a live-action version ofMoana,” he revealed onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
“You’re real life Maui!” hostJimmy Fallonexclaimed at the fact that Johnson will be reprising his role as the shapeshifting demigod.
“I am the real life Maui. Thank you guys very much. I’m so excited about this,” added Johnson.
TheBlack Adamstar also shared that the “incredible”HamiltondirectorThomas Kailwill helm the upcoming project, withLin Manuel-Mirandareturning as a songwriter for all the original music featured in the animated version.
“I cannot wait. Here’s the thing, Jimmy, listen,” Johnson said before he grabbed a mic and broke into song with the lyrics to his character’s hit song “You’re Welcome.” Fallon joined in at the chorus.
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Thelive-action reimagining ofMoanawas first revealedto be in the works when Johnson announced the upcoming project during Disney’s 2023 shareholder meeting in April.
“Deeply humbled to announce we’re bringing the beautiful story ofMOANA to the live action big screen!” Johnson wrote in the caption of his announcement on Instagram.
Dwayne Johnson and his character Maui in “Moana.".Amanda Edwards/WireImage; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Everett
Amanda Edwards/WireImage; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Everett
“We’re honored to partner with@DisneyStudiosto tell our story through the realm of music and dance, which at the core is who we are as Polynesian people,” Johnson added before ending the announcement with a nod to his character’s magical fish hook in an emoji after he quoted the lyrics to “You’re Welcome.”
In a video he filmed with his daughters Tiana, 5, and Jasmine, 7, on a Hawaiian beach to announce the project, Johnson promised the return the titular Disney princess plus “Gramma Tala, the music, the dance, Te Fiti, Pua the pig, the village” and “the beautiful, powerful ocean.”
Moana (voice: Auli’i Cravalho), Maui (voice: Dwayne Johnson).Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Everett
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Everett
Not long after the announcement, Johnson revealed that the upcoming live remake isslated to release in theaterson June 27, 2025.
“It’s my privilege to share our legends, songs, and dance of our Polynesian culture with all of you and your families. Love & mana,” the wrestler-turned-actor concluded.
source: people.com
