‘Moana’ trailer reveals Dwayne Johnson as a shapeshifting demigod gearing up to save the world
The official trailer for the live-action adaptation of 'Moana' unveils Dwayne Johnson's first look as the demigod Maui, replete with long hair, full-body tattoos, and signature charm. The 53-year-old star voiced the character in the animated films, 'Moana' (2016) and its sequel 'Moana 2' (2024). The musical adventure film is the third installment in the 'Moana' franchise, with the upcoming movie serving as a live-action remake of the first film. Its story follows Moana, a spirited young girl, who joins forces with the legendary demigod Maui to reunite a mystical relic with the goddess Te Fiti to save her home island of Motunui from a blight. 'Moana' will release in theaters on July 10.
In the trailer released by Disney, Johnson's character introduces himself to Moana as "Maui, shapeshifter, demigod of the wind and sea, hero of men and women." The clip also features the first look at the coconut crab Tamatoa, the lava demon Te Kā, and newcomer Catherine Laga’aia, who plays the live-action version of Moana. They will be seen alongside John Tui as Moana's father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams as Moana's mother, Sina; and Rena Owen as Moana's grandmother and Tui's mother, Gramma Tala. Fans will notice that the trailer brings to life several key moments from the original film, such as Maui's transformation into a whale, Moana dancing with Gramma Tala, Moana's sweet interactions with Pua and Hei Hei, and the battle against Te Kā.
The film's official synopsis states that "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." Thomas Kail steps into the director's chair for the live-action remake, marking his feature directorial debut. Jared Bush, who wrote the screenplay for both the animated films, returns as screenwriter alongside Dana Ledoux Miller, who penned the script for the 2024 sequel. Lin-Manuel Miranda has composed original songs for the film, along with Opetaia Foa'i and Mark Mancina.
Johnson had announced that a live-action adaptation of 'Moana' was in development in April 2023, seven years after the animated film's release. He highlighted the film's cultural significance in his official statement. "This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people's grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me. [T]here is no better world for us to honor the story of our people, our passion and our purpose than through the realm of music and dance, which is at the core of who we are as Polynesian people," he said. Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced the titular character in both animated films, serves as an executive producer for the upcoming movie alongside Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, and Kail.
