‘Moana’ live-action film successfully takes off
MANILA, Philippines — Disney’s long list of live-action films transposed from animated features has been growing undoubtedly. From “Cinderella” to “Beauty and the Beast” to “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “Mulan,” the list goes on. The latest on the list is “Moana.”
After the first animated musical of “Moana,” which premiered in 2016, with the sequel that came out in 2024, both with Hawaiian actress Auli’i Cravalho doing the voice of Moana, it didn’t take long before the live-action version was unveiled in the US (July 8 in Manila).
Drawing inspiration from Polynesian mythology, the release coincides with the 10th anniversary of the franchise and the release of the original film.
Actor Dwayne Johnson, who plays demigod Maui in the animated films, reprises his role in the live action version and also acts as producer for Walt Disney Pictures. His body is covered with tattoos. Auli’i passed on the baton as Moana. She now acts as executive producer.
Dwayne works with a young and new director, Tony Award winner Thomas Kail (“Hamilton”), who makes his directorial debut in “Moana” and the story comes to life in a new way. “What does different look like?,” Dwayne earlier asked the young megman. “He was able to bring that to the table.”
Without repeating what the directors of the animated “Moana” — John Musker and Ron Clements — did before, Thomas added his unique touch to the live story.
The music of “Moana” is a big part of the film, with Dwayne reimagining his signature song, You’re Welcome.
Dwayne reprised his look in the animated ‘Moana” and came out with a long, curly and luxurious mane as Maui — a far cry from his real-life bald look. It was nearly an hour when he came out in the live-action scenes.
Nineteen-year-old Australian native Catherine Laga’aia, plays the titular role in the “Moana” franchise. As Moana, from a humble, little girl growing up in Motonui, she went on to be the chief of her tribe. No wonder, she felt compelled to dauntlessly embark on an epic, seafaring adventure to restore prosperity to her people.
Moana’s animal pals — the gangly and clueless rooster Hei Hei and the loyal and innocent cute piglet Pua — are her constant companions in her adventures across the seas.
However, when Hei Hei was encountered by Maui, the chicken was warned that he might be good food for his tummy.
“Playing Moana is really a special experience for me,” said Catherine. “It’s such an incredible honor to step into this legacy.”
Her grandmother Gramma Tala (New Zealand actress Rena Owen) unveils the folk lore of Te Fiti. She and Moana have a strong bond. Moana was tasked to find Maui, restore the heart of Te Fiti and save its people, including her parents Tiu (John Tiu) and Sina (Frankie Adams).
Award-winning songwriter Lin Manuel Miranda, who worked on the first animated film, returns for the live-action “Moana” franchise. He delivers a new track, Along the Way, performed by Auli’i, Dwayne and Catherine in the closing credits.
This early, the new “Moana” live-action sequel has been announced by Dwayne. That should come out in three to four years.
The Philippines was not at all overlooked in the live-action “Moana,” as Kapamilya singer-actress Kai Montinola recorded and performed Hangganan Ko, the Tagalog version of Moana’s iconic theme, How Far I’ll Go.
Kai was deeply honored to be chosen by Disney. “I’m a Disney kid,” she admitted. “I grew up watching and loving Disney films. So, to be chosen to sing Hangganan Ko for ‘Moana’ is such an honor. I’m so glad to be singing it in front of you guys.”
The former “Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11” housemate also shared how she relates to Moana’s journey. She first watched the animated film as a child. Now that she started her own career two years ago in the entertainment industry, she sees similarities between Moana’s determination and her own to pursue her dreams. “I’m so happy to be doing this,” Kai said.
She started her own journey in her native Cebu and went on to chase her dreams and aspirations in showbiz after she joined “Pinoy Big Brother.” She cannot be any happier that she has been given opportunities like recording this song for “Moana.”
The line that really resonated with her was in the second verse. “Pag umayon na, makuntento ba, kahit ang puso’y awit ay iba, ako ba ang mali?”
“That whole verse is very deep,” she said. “Especially after it was translated into Tagalog. Mas tinamaan ako doon,” Kai said.
As part of the promotions for “Moana,” Kai performed Hangganan Ko at the SM Mall of Asia last July 8 and will be at SM Seaside in Cebu City on July 12. Disney will also release a music video of the song this month. The film is rated PG (Parental Guidance).
- Latest
- Trending
