- Primary Subject: The live-action remake of Disney's Moana
- Key Update: Dwayne Johnson defended the choice to release the live-action Moana remake just ten years after the animated original.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: July 9, 2026
- Quick Answer: Dwayne Johnson defended the Moana live-action remake's ten-year timeline, stating its powerful, human themes translate perfectly to live action regardless of how much time has passed.
Dwayne Johnson recently defended the decision to produce the live-action remake of Moana ten years after the original's release.
Unlike the other Disney animated classics, only a decade has passed since the first animated Moana movie was released and became a pop culture phenomenon, while the animated sequel was released less than two years ago. And yet, the live-action remake is already arriving in theaters this week, and fans are still baffled by the studio's decision.
Why Moana Live-Action Remake Is Being Released 10 Years After the Original
In a red carpet interview with The Hollywood Reporter during the premiere event, Dwayne Johnson opened up about the decision to produce the live-action remake of Moana ten years after the original and the criticisms from fans for being "too soon."
He explained that the film's themes and ideas are worthy of being explored through live-action characters, and he never believed in waiting for it to be made.
"To be honest with you, I never bought into this idea that ‘you have to wait 20 years, you have to wait 30 years, it’s too soon,'" the actor said.
"I honestly never did, and not because I’m biased and I made the film, but because there’s themes and values in this, in animated Moana, that could translate really well if you saw a real human being going through it, and a real young girl going through it."
Director Thomas Kail agreed with the same sentiment as he pointed out that the audiences of the original film have grown up, and he compared it to Broadway shows where they "do revivals all the time."
"All those 7-year-olds who saw it that are 17, all those 10-year-olds who are 20 — those are seismic changes in our lives, and I think all people’s affection for this film, which was shown when Moana 2 came out, I think people want to be with their friends up on screen, and they want to be with this score," he said.
What to Expect in the Moana Live-Action Remake
In Moana, Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved animated adventure, Moana answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.
The main cast includes Catherine Lagaʻaia, Dwayne Johnson, John Tui, Frankie Adams, Rena Owen, and Jemaine Clement.
The film is directed by Thomas Kail; produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda; and executive produced by Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, and Auliʻi Cravalho.
It is arriving in theaters worldwide this week. It is also available in IMAX and other premium large formats.
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