Disney’s ‘Moana’ Live-Action to be Directed by ‘Hamilton’ Director, Thomas Kail

News of another Disney film’s live-action remake is creating a stir in the wake of ‘The Little Mermaid’s box office success this past weekend. The next live-action adaptation of ‘Moana’ will be directed by ‘Hamilton’ and ‘In the Heights’ filmmaker, Thomas Kail.

The movie was initially announced earlier this spring. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who will reprise his role as Maui, the deity of the wind and sea, will produce the show through his firm, ‘Seven Bucks Productions’ with Dany and Hiram Garcia. Through Flynn Picture Co., Beau Flynn will be producing and Broadway veteran, Kail will be directing the movie. The live-action film’s original author, Jared Bush, collaborated with Dana Ledoux Miller on the script.

Auli’i Cravalho, who provided the voice of Moana in the first movie, confirmed that she won’t be reprising the role but rather serving as an executive producer on the film even though the lead part hasn’t yet been cast. 

“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career,” she stated on Instagram. “In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.”

She continued, “I can’t wait to find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength. I’m truly honoured to pass this baton to the next woman of Pacific Island descent to honor our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures and communities that help inspire her story, and I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come. Mahalo.”

– Riya Sohini