"Moana," a live-action film adaptation of the classic Disney animated film (directed by Thomas Kale), will be released in Japan on July 31st. A special video featuring Dwayne Johnson, who plays the legendary hero Maui, and director Kale, discussing their love and respect for the animated version and sharing behind-the-scenes stories about the making of this film, was released on May 14th.
"Moana" tells the story of Moana, a girl with a special bond to the sea who lives on the mystical paradise island of Motunui in the South Seas. To save her beloved family and the world, she embarks on an adventurous journey across the vast ocean. She searches for the legendary demigod Maui, and together they overcome various hardships, forging her own path in life.
The first animated film in the series, "Moana," produced in 2016 (released in Japan in March 2017), grossed over $640 million worldwide (approximately 96 billion yen, according to Box Office Mojo, calculated at 1 dollar = 150 yen, the same applies below) and was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song. "Moana 2," released in December 2024, was an even bigger hit, grossing $1.05 billion (approximately 157.5 billion yen).
In the live-action film, 19-year-old rising star Katherine Lagaia, known for her "miraculous singing voice," has been cast as Moana, while Johnson, who played the same role in the animated version, will reprise his role as Maui.
The newly released special footage conveys the deep respect the director, cast, and staff have for the animated version of "Moana" as they worked on this project. This film is a story inspired by the Polynesian culture and spirit of the people that thrive in the South Pacific, and the live-action version is made with care for its cultural roots and pride, as each of them explains in their own words. The opening of the video shows a strong Moana from behind, illuminated by the setting sun, and Moana and her mother Sheena surrounded by vibrant greenery, realistically depicting Moana's world, where she lives in harmony with magnificent nature.
Johnson, who plays Maui, spoke with the magnificent ocean and sandy beach as a backdrop, saying, "Moana is special to me. I'm really proud to be able to portray our Polynesian culture in this way," expressing his joy at being able to share his roots with the world. He added, "We have to protect the image of the animated version," showing his respect for the animated version and his strong sense of responsibility in making the live-action version. The film also showed the inhabitants of Motunui Island dancing joyfully, and Langaiia, who plays Moana, said, "In this film, everyone faithfully embodied Moana's spirit," revealing that the cast and crew worked together to infuse the culture and soul into the film.
Director Kale said, "It's the best team. It's a gathering of local artisans and craftspeople," and added that many creators with Polynesian roots participated in order to pursue the realism unique to a live-action film. In addition, the staff who worked on costume design and choreography said things like, "It's a dream job. Not only can we make beautiful costumes, but it's also our own culture," and "The significance of this is incredible. It's thrilling just to see our faces on the screen," and the video conveys that each staff member poured their deep love into creating the world of Moana. Towards the end, Johnson showed his confidence in the film, saying, "On the islands, the mysterious power that resides within is called 'mana.' This film is full of 'mana.' I can't wait for the whole world to see it."
"Moana," a musical adventure perfect for summer, centering on Moana as she sets sail across the vast ocean to save her beloved family, will be released in Japan on July 31st.
