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| John Dwayne Johnson. IMAGE/PHOTO: KARWAI TANG |
Johnson posted on Instagram that "production begins this August" for the movie, which looks to have a revised release date.
The potential of Disney's live-action Moana film is virtually limitless!
On Friday, July 5, Dwayne Johnson, 52, shared the casting news for the upcoming movie on Instagram. He also reminded everyone that he will be playing the demigod Maui again, a character he voiced in the animated Moana from 2016 and Moana 2 from 2024.
The actor stated in the update that "production begins this August" and that "June 27, 2025" is when the live-action movie opens in theaters. This last date seems to be a change from Disney's original release date of July 10, 2026.
Headshots of the cast alongside animated versions of their characters were included in the post Johnson wrote, titled "Exciting and inspiring casting news as we begin to bring together our live action MOANA family."
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| The 2025 live-action film starring Catherine Laga'aia will portray Moana. DISNEY/KOBAL/SHUTTERSTOCK; ALEXEI HAY |
The actor also informed fans that Catherine Laga'aia, a recent arrival, will portray the movie's title Polynesian heroine.
John Tui, who previously starred in Johnson's NBC series Young Rock, which was inspired by the life and early years of the former WWE star, will portray Chief Tui, Moana's father. Rena Owen will portray Moana's grandmother, Gramma Tala, while Frankie Adams will play her mother, Sina.
Johnson added, "And yours truly, as the demigod ~ MAUI🪝," to the caption.
The actor also informed fans that the title role of the upcoming movie, played by Catherine Laga'aia, is that of a Polynesian heroine.
John Tui will portray Chief Tui, Moana's father. John Tui previously appeared in Johnson's NBC series Young Rock, which was based on the life and early years of the former WWE star. Moana's mother, Sina, will be portrayed by Frankie Adams, and her grandmother, Gramma Tala, by Rena Owen.
Johnson captioned the photo, writing, "And yours truly, as the demigod ~ MAUI🪝."
"We are incredibly honored to impart the myths, melodies, dances, and customs of our Polynesian culture to each and every one of you and your families worldwide," the Jumanji actor said in closing.
Lin-Manuel Miranda will compose the music for the movie, which Thomas Kail will direct.
The cast was first revealed by Disney in June. /people.com
Lin-Manuel Miranda will compose the music for the movie, which Thomas Kail will direct.
The cast was first revealed by Disney in June. /people.com
