Tony-Award Winning ‘Hamilton’ Broadway Director Hired for Live-Action ‘Moana’ Film

Disney’s upcoming “Moana” live-action remake has hired the “Hamilton” Broadway director Thomas Kail to direct the film.

‘Hamilton’ Director Hired for Live-Action ‘Moana’

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney’s new “Moana” live-action remake will be utilizing Tony-Award winning Broadway director Thomas Kail, known for his work with “Hamilton” for the film’s production.

“Moana” screenplay author Jared Bush wrote the remake, working alongside Dana Ledoux Miller.

Dwayne Johnson will be returning to reprise the role of Maui, the tattooed demigod of the wind and sea. Johnson is also producing the film via his Seven Bucks Productions studio along with Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia. Beau Flynn is also producing via Flynn Picture Co.

Auli‘i Cravalho, the voice of Moana in the animated version of the film, will executive produce with Scott Sheldon of Flynn Picture Co. Auli’i additionally provided Moana’s Hawaiian-language voice in a partnership with the University of Hawai’i system, especially its West O’ahu campus. She also portrays the titular role in “Gone Fishing” (a 2017 short) and joined several other Disney Princess cameos in “Ralph Breaks the Internet.”

Seven Bucks Productions studio expresses their desire for the film to celebrate the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders.

‘Moana’ Comes to Life

At Disney’s April shareholders meeting, Dwayne Johnson appeared with his two daughters and a massive Maui hook, revealing the new film was in the works with his direct involvement.

The original film grossed almost $683 million worldwide, placing it among the top five financial performances for a Walt Disney Animation Studios film since 1994. A musical with intricate artistry and adventurous spirit, it also prioritized a respectful and culturally immersive celebration of people and environments across the Pacific Ocean’s countless islands. The two leads embodied this: Dwayne Johnson spent much of his life in Hawai’i and has family heritage rooted in Sāmoa, whilst Auli’i Cravalho is both kamaʻāina (someone of the land, referring to those who have called Hawai’i home regardless of ancestry) and kānaka (referring to someone who is of Native Hawaiian ancestry).

The ʻāina (land) is central to Hawaiian culture and life, reflected in the motto of Hawai’i first uttered by King Kamehameha III: Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono — the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness. It will be interesting to see how a live-action re-telling of this story incorporates the landscape of the islands and the message of ensuring their health and well-being.

Take a look at our other “Moana”-related news coverage using the links below:

Are you excited about the upcoming remake for “Moana”? Do you prefer the live-action films to their animated counterparts? We’d like to see your opinions in the comments below.

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