There’s just no telling how far Disney’s Moana live-action movie will go!
Dwayne Johnson, 52, reshared the casting news for the upcoming film in an Instagram post on Friday, July 5, and reminded everyone that he’ll be reprising the role of the demigod Maui, who he voiced for 2016’s animated Moana and 2024’s Moana 2.
In the update, the actor revealed “production begins this August” and said the live-action film hits theaters on “June 27, 2025,” which appears to be a new release date as Disney originally slated it for July 10, 2026.
“Exciting and inspiring casting news as we begin to bring together our live action MOANA family,” Johnson wrote in the post, which included headshots of the cast next to the animated versions of their characters.
The actor also reminded followers that newcomer Catherine Laga’aia will play the titular Polynesian heroine in the new film.
John Tui, who had a role in Johnson’s NBC series Young Rock based on the former WWE star’s life and childhood, will play Moana’s father, Chief Tui. Frankie Adams will play Moana’s mom, Sina, and Rena Owen will play her grandmother, Gramma Tala.
“And yours truly, as the demigod ~ MAUI🪝,” Johnson wrote in the caption.
“It’s our deepest honor to share the legends, songs, dances and traditions of our Polynesian culture with all of you and your families around the world,” the Jumanji star concluded.
The film will be directed by Thomas Kail and the music will be composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
