Dwayne Johnson says a live-action version of 'Moana' is in the works

AFP

Walt Disney is developing a live-action version of its animated movie hit "Moana," star Dwayne Johnson announced at the company's annual shareholder meeting on Monday.

"Moana" is set in ancient Polynesia and tells the story of a teenage girl who sets sail on an epic journey to help save her tribe.

The animated version was released in 2016 and racked up nearly $683 million at global box offices.

"I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen," said Johnson, who voiced the role of the demigod Maui in the original film.

"This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength," said Johnson, whose mother is Samoan.

The actor said the new movie was in the early stages of development. No release date was announced.

More from Entertainment

  • Global Village confirms reopening date

    Global Village, the region’s premier multicultural family destination for entertainment, dining, shopping and attractions, is set to welcome guests back on Monday, April 20, starting from 5:00 PM.

  • Kpop's biggest labels consider creating Coachella-style global festival

    South Korea's biggest Kpop agencies are in talks to join forces on a global music festival that could bring together the industry's top stars, in what some local media have billed as a Korean version of the mega US festival Coachella.

  • Filmmakers defend Val Kilmer movie made with AI

    The makers of a new film with an AI-generated performance by late actor Val Kilmer defended their work on Thursday and said they believed their approach demonstrated an ethical path to future use of the technology in Hollywood.

  • Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans unite for Marvel's 'Doomsday'

    "Avengers" movie stars Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans teased the next Marvel Studios superhero adventure "Avengers: Doomsday" on Thursday, unveiling the first trailer to theater owners who expect the film to end the 2026 box-office year with a bang.

Coming Up