Disney's New Live Action Moana

Written by: Sitara Nair

Disney’s new live-action Moana is set to come out July 10th and has sparked lots of excitement in the Disney community. Let's dig into how the original Moana was made, the plot, and what’s expected of the new film! 

The new film continues Disney’s recent trend of turning animated favorites into live-action movies, following hits like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. While many remakes are based on older classics, Moana is different because the original animated movie was released less than ten years ago. That makes the upcoming version feel both nostalgic and new.

The original Moana film came out in 2016 and quickly became one of Disney’s most loved and celebrated modern films. The film was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. The movie introduced audiences to Moana, the brave daughter of Chief Tui and future leader of the island of Motonui. Unlike many older Disney princess stories, Moana’s journey is not about finding romance. In the film, Moana is more about finding yourself and learning to be brave for yourself.

When creating Moana, filmmakers put a lot of care into building the world. They specifically researched Polynesian culture, voyaging traditions, music, language, and storytelling. Through extensive research combined with work from cultural experts allowed to shape the movie's details, from the designs of canoes and clothing to the way the ocean and navigation were represented. Disney’s films as a whole have often been scrutinized for cultural accuracy and representation, so this extra research really made the original film feel more connected to the cultures that inspired it. 

The plot of Moana begins when life on Motuani starts to change. Crops are dying, fish are harder to find, and Moana realizes that her island is in danger. Although her father advises her not to venture beyond the reef, Moana is irresistibly attracted to the ocean. Encouraged by her grandmother Tala, she discovers that her ancestors were explorers and that her people once sailed across the seas. Moana then embarks on a perilous voyage to find Maui, a mighty demigod, and restore the heart of Te Fiti.

Music played a big part in making the animated movie a hit. Songs like “How Far I’ll Go,” “You’re Welcome,” and “We Know the Way” quickly became favorites. The soundtrack really helped share Moana’s feelings and tied her adventure to the bigger theme of voyaging. With catchy music, vibrant animation, and a positive message, Moana appealed to both kids and grown-ups.

The upcoming live-action version is set to retell the story with real actors, updated visuals, and a more realistic look at Moana’s ocean world. Catherine Lagaʻaia will portray Moana, and Dwayne Johnson is back as Maui after voicing him in the animated film. Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana initially, is now an executive producer, a meaningful role since she helped create the character. Her involvement suggests the remake aims to honor the original while introducing a fresh actress into the role.

Fans are curious to see how the new film will handle the ocean scenes, Maui’s shapeshifting, his tattoos, and the musical numbers. Some people are excited, while others wonder if a remake was really needed so soon after the first movie. Still, the original’s popularity shows how much people connect with Moana’s story.

Overall, the live-action Moana has a lot to live up to, but it also has the chance to introduce such a meaningful story to a brand new generation! With all its important themes, from women empowerment to self discovery, Moana is so inspiring. Will you be heading to theatres to watch the film?