"Moana," a live-action film adaptation of the classic Disney animated film (directed by Thomas Kale), will be released in Japan on July 31st. The US trailer, featuring Dwayne Johnson, who plays the legendary hero Maui, energetically singing and dancing to the film's song "You've Got It," was released on June 11th.
"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 trailer showcases iconic scenes with a breathtaking scale only possible in a live-action film. It also features the first glimpse of Maui, played by Johnson, singing.
To save her beloved family and island, Moana sets out alone into the vast ocean, where she meets Maui along the way. The scene where they sing and dance to "You've Got It," a song that was also popular in the animated version, fully showcases Maui's character as a reliable supporter of Moana, despite his gruff remarks.
Moana skillfully flatters Maui and cleverly leads him on an adventure at sea. The comical banter between the two is one of the highlights. However, trials beyond imagination await Moana and her companions... In the monster kingdom that lies beneath the sea, Tamatoa, a giant crab that glows eerily in the darkness, stands in their way, and on the ship, the Kakamora pirates, who look cute but are ruthless and cruel, attack without mercy. A festive "summer movie" full of excitement and thrills that come one after another. The musical adventure "Moana" is perfect for the hot season and will be released on July 31st.
