Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson offers an exciting casting update for the live-action Moana remake just days after Moana 2‘s surprise announcement. Seven years after the premiere of the Disney animated movie, the studio announced it was developing a live-action adaptation. While Disney has remade several of its classic animated movies, this marked the first time it adapted one of its newer computer-animated movies. However, when the studio announced Moana 2 was arriving this year, it raised questions about how it might impact the remake.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Johnson gave a casting update on the Moana live-action remake. He revealed that the movie has officially found its Moana actor, though he won’t reveal who it is. Johnson also emphasized that the adaptation is working hard to put together a great creative team. Check out his statement below:
One of the exciting things about that was actually finding our Moana and how exciting that has been. The global search to find our Moana — which — between you and I, we found her — not gonna tell you yet. [It’s] very exciting. Lin Manuel Miranda’s coming back. We’re doing the music. Tommy Kail is our director, who directed
Hamilton
. You put everybody together, and you want to put the best team together, and then you really go for it.
What We Know About the Moana Live-Action Movie and Cast
Unfortunately, Disney has been as secretive as Johnson about who is playing Moana’s lead role. A casting call was put out for the lead role, but no reports have risen about anyone being shortlisted or in the running for the role. However, a few details have arisen about who the movie is looking for. Shortly after the film was announced, Moana’s voice actor, Auli’i Cravalho, confirmed she would not be returning to portray her character in live-action. She will be involved as a producer, though, and vowed to remain faithful to the character’s Pacific Islander heritage in casting.
Although Moana hasn’t announced its lead star, it should be a faithful recasting. While names like Eliana Su’a and Kea Peahu have floated around in fan castings, it’s possible the film could cast a newcomer. Aside from Moana, the only casting confirmation that has been made is Johnson, who is reprising his role as Maui for the live-action remake. There’s also a chance Alan Tudyk could return to voice the CGI version of his character, the titular heroine’s rooster, Heihei.
As Johnson mentioned, Lin-Manuel Miranda is also returning for the live-action Moana to provide the music, while Hamilton director Tommy Kail is directing. As of now, the release is still set for June 27, 2025. However, after the surprise announcement of Moana 2, many anticipate Disney will officially push that date back. Johnson’s Moana casting update confirms that steady progress is being made on the remake, but it may not be enough to save its 2025 release date as the sequel may require more space.
