Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had nothing more to say than “You’re welcome!”
The 51-year-old actor said on Monday that he will shortly start work on the live-action version of the 2016 Disney animated picture Moana.
“A live-action adaptation of Moana is the project I’m going to be shooting,” he disclosed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Jimmy Fallon, the host, remarked, “You’re real life Maui!” upon learning that Johnson will be playing the shape-shifting demigod again.
“I am Maui, as I really am. Many thanks to all of you. Johnson continued, “I’m really thrilled about this.
.@TheRock confirms a live-action remake of “Moana” is happening and celebrates by singing an impromptu version of “You’re Welcome”! #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/jMxIUJnW2q
— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) November 14, 2023
The “incredible” Hamilton director Thomas Kail will lead the next project, which the Black Adam star also revealed will be directed by Lin Manuel-Miranda. Miranda will serve as a songwriter for all of the original songs that will be used in the animated version.
“I am impatient. Then Johnson picked up a microphone and sang the words to his character’s smash song, “You’re Welcome,” saying, “Here’s the thing, Jimmy, listen.” Fallon became involved in the chorus.
The live-action version of Moana was originally made public when Johnson made the announcement about the project in April at Disney’s 2023 shareholder meeting.
“Deeply humbled to announce we’re bringing the beautiful story of MOANA to the live action big screen!” Johnson stated as much in the Instagram caption for his announcement.
“This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace, mana and warrior strength,” he said. “I wear our culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once in a lifetime opportunity to reunite with MAUI, inspired by the spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me.”
Johnson continued, “We’re honored to partner with @DisneyStudios to tell our story through the realm of music and dance, which at the core is who we are as Polynesian people.” He then quoted the song “You’re Welcome,” ending the announcement with an emoji that alluded to his character’s magical fish hook.
Johnson made promises about the project, including the return of the titular Disney princess as well as “Gramma Tala, the music, the dance, Te Fiti, Pua the pig, the village,” and “the beautiful, powerful ocean,” in a video he shot on a Hawaiian beach with his daughters Tiana, 5, and Jasmine, 7.
Johnson disclosed shortly after the announcement that the live remake would hit theaters on June 27, 2025.
Sometimes we are stronger than we appear. In an Instagram post from June that included a picture of a Hawaiian island with Olivia Foa’i’s rendition of the Moana song “Tulou Tagaloa” playing, the title character was cited as saying, “Far beneath in some cases.”
It is a privilege for me to impart to everyone of you and your families the myths, music, and dances of our Polynesian culture. Love & mana,” the actor-turned-wrestler said in closing.
