Catherine Laga‘aia is playing the title character in the live-action ‘Moana’.
Dwayne Johnson is reprising his role as Maui.
‘Hamilton’ director Thomas Kail is behind the camera.
We’ve known since April that, in addition to the animation sequel headed to theaters this Thanksgiving, Disney is hard at work on a live-action version of 2016’s animated hit ‘Moana’.
But while that announcement included word that Dwayne Johnson would be reprising his role as demi-god Maui, there was no indication of who might be inheriting the title role of the young Pacific Islander who sets sail on a quest, as Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated version, is instead just a producer on this one.
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What’s the story of Moana?
Walt Disney Studios Animation’s ‘Moana.’
The original movie follows the young woman rebelling against the insular nature of her island community and embracing her destiny as an adventurer, helping to sort out a huge problem in the process.
Along the way, she meets Maui, the mischievous, shape-shifting demi-god who is initially a thorn in her side but ends up a trusted companion.
Who is appearing in the ‘Moana’ live-action movie?
Frankie Adams.
Here’s what Catherine Laga‘aia had to say about getting the role:
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites. My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
She’ll be joined in the cast by Auckland, New Zealander John Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams portrays Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen, who hails from Bay of Islands, NZ, was cast as the revered Gramma Tala.
Thomas Kail, who directed the theatre sensation ‘Hamilton’ (and on TV made the likes of ‘Fosse/Verdon’ and ‘Up Here’), is behind the camera for the new ‘Moana’.
This is his statement on tackling the new movie:
“I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John through this casting process. I am humbled by this opportunity, and I cannot wait to all be on set together. And there’s no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne — actually, trio: Heihei is ready, too.”
In case that last name has you saying “whowho?”, Heihei is Moana’s extremely dim chicken friend from the animated pic.
Jared Bush, who co-wrote on the original ‘Moana’, has crafted the new script alongside Samoan writer Dana Ledoux Miller. And Kail’s old friend, ‘Hamilton’ creator/actor Lin-Manuel Miranda (who also wrote songs for the animated movie) is a producer on this one.
When will the live-action ‘Moana’ be in theaters?
Disney has planted a flag in July 10th, 2026, as the release date for the new movie.
Jennifer Lee, CCO, Disney Animation Studios, speaks onstage at the Long Lead Press Day & In-Person Presentation for ‘Wish’ at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, California on September 21, 2023. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney.
Preview:
Jennifer Lee talks about writing and crafting an original fairy tale versus adapting from an existing story and what it is like not to have to stay within the guidelines of a story
The future of Disney animation and what the next generation of artists can bring
Lee hints at more stories to be told with Elsa and Anna, “ I’m proud of where they’re gonna go next.”
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Disney Animation’s Chief Creative Officer, Jennifer Lee, about writing and crafting an original fairy tale, the many iterations of the character Star, the future of Disney animation, and the possibilities the new generation of artists can bring.
Moviefone: To begin with, you’ve worked on many Disney animated films including ‘Frozen,’ ‘Frozen II,’ and ‘Zootopia,’ just to name a few. Can you talk about writing an original story with ‘Wish,’ versus adapting an existing tale and being able to write without having to stay within the guidelines of an existing story?
Jennifer Lee: You know, I will say it’s something I almost forgot in a moment because we’ve gotten so steeped in this story for a long time. As a fairy tale, but recognizing, we were creating one from scratch. At first, that was very scary. Because it is like you can do anything, but what is the thing to do? I think what was so wonderful about it was getting to make discoveries that I think we may not have been able to make. I believe in a limited palette at times for focus. But I think in this case, I look at the character of Star, and Star went through many iterations. At one point talked, at one point could turn into a human, at one point, you know, into other things and, to have the freedom to recognize what we said. But hope and possibility don’t talk. They just are there for you. Why would Star speak? It’s millions of years old, it’s evolved beyond language, like we would just take these things that were so freeing, that led us to have really fun discoveries. There was nothing like, “Oh, but people are gonna expect us because in the story it’s that” and I think that that is huge that we can do that. But in many ways, what’s interesting is, and Peter Del Vecho has talked about this, is a moment where the story starts to tell you what it means, and it almost takes on a life of its own. So what’s funny for me is the ‘Wish’ story now, it’s like it’s always been. It’s like, that’s not how we got there but eventually, it starts to just land in a way that you’re bringing to life something that actually already exists. That’s a weird thing that I think only in animation I have ever experienced.
MF: As Chief Creative Officer and as you celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary, where do you see the future of Disney animation going?
JL: Well, I think in a very fun way, what I’m seeing is the new generation, and in a really great way, especially with this last decade, I’ve been there watching a whole new team of artists, especially the way animation in the world is in a great place. People are really connecting with it. I feel very lucky to be a part of it. We always say when the animation is doing well, that’s good for all the artists, and so it’s creating new opportunities. I think the new voices of animation are exciting, and they’re daring. I see now for a lot of us who have been doing this for a while or have had the chance to experience our films beyond the world. We have a responsibility now to that new generation because there’s tons of talent. But we can experience it together. I think we’ll find that “Where’s the new voices going?” It’ll be up to them. So right now, I’m loving being in this role because I get to work with them, get to have lunches with the story team – multiple teams, but with the story crew, and we just talked about story. We talk about comedy, and it’s just all about creating that connection in our legacy that’s always been, which is building that next generation. But I think when I came in, I felt like that I was not that young, but I was new. I felt like that receiver as a new generation. You know, almost 13 years later, I feel like that shift where I can see it more clearly. It’s a really fun and ambitious time.
(L to R) Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel) in Walt Disney Pictures’ ‘Frozen.’
MF: Finally, speaking of the future of Disney animation, will there be more stories for Anna and Elsa from ‘Frozen’?
JL: All I’d say, as Bob Iger himself mentioned we are in development on more ‘Frozen’. That’s all I can say. Because there is more story to tell. I love these women, and I think I’m proud of where they’re gonna go next.
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What Is The Plot Of ‘Wish’?
Set in the magical kingdom of Rosas, the story introduces Asha (Ariana DeBose), an optimist with a sharp wit who deeply cares about her community. When Asha turns to the sky in a moment of need and makes a wish, her plea is answered by a cosmic force — a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, they face the most formidable of foes to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.
‘Wish,’ the latest entry from Walt Disney Studios features a fantasy musical adventure that captures the feeling of classic Disney animation and a fresh new story on the importance of staying true to yourself and the power of wishes. The movie will be released in theaters on November 22nd.
Initial Thoughts
Right off the bat, the audience will recognize the animation style inspired by Disney classics such as ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ ‘Pinocchio,’ and ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.’ The blending of 3D animation and 2D hand-drawn watercolor is something we haven’t seen before in Disney animation and gives the film a vintage look.
The story explores the importance of wishes, how even a simple wish can inspire one’s path in life, and what happens when that is taken away. Complete with catchy songs by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice that’ll get you tapping your toes and captivating performances from Ariana DeBose as Asha and Chris Pine as King Magnifico.
Story and Direction
(L to R) Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster-Jones, Peter Del Vecho, SVP, Feature Film Production, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Fawn Veerasunthorn and Chris Buck speak for “Wish” at the Long Lead Press Day In-Person Presentation for ‘Wish’ at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, California on September 21, 2023. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney.
‘Wish’ is co-directed by Chris Buck (‘Frozen II’) and Fawn Veerasunthron (‘Raya and the Last Dragon’), with screenplay written by Jennifer Lee and Allison Moore. The movie will take you down the road of nostalgia with the opening of the film pans in on a storybook, just as movies such as ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves,’ ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ and ‘Pinocchio’ did.
After a quick exposition of King Magnifico’s past, we understand why he began studying magic to become a sorcerer and how the Kingdom of Rosas came to be – located in the Mediterranean Sea and a travel destination for all. It is also the place where anyone over the age of 18 can give their wish to King Magnifico for a chance to have it granted at a wishing ceremony.
The story introduces 17-year-old Asha, who works as a tour guide in Rosas and is about to interview to be the King’s apprentice. During the interview, it is revealed that while King Magnifico keeps the townspeople’s wishes safe, he doesn’t intend to grant most wishes. When Ahsa suggests the King return the ungranted wishes, he becomes upset and explains that he only grants wishes he sees fit to keep Rosas safe. When Ahsa further argues that wishes can’t be harmful King Magnifico retaliates by telling her he would never grant her grandfather Sabino’s wish.
Frustrated by this, Asha runs to the giant tree in the forest – the same one she and her father often visited during her childhood – and sings out her plead to the stars. Her wish was so passionate that it manifested a star from the sky into a ball of energy with magical powers. The night sky lights up with Star’s arrival, seen by all in the kingdom, including King Magnifico, who declares that any magic (other than what he conjures) is illegal and whoever uses magic is deemed a traitor.
This propels the story into Asha rushing against time to find a way to free and return the wishes to the people of Rosas, with the help of Star, her goat sidekick Valentino, and her band of friends.
The pacing of this movie is well-balanced, with the first act establishing the origins of Rosas, the relationship between Asha and her best friends, and King Magnifico’s past. The second act kicks into high gear as Asha works up a plan to free the wishes, all the while keeping Star hidden from King Magnifico. The songs are well-placed throughout and extremely catchy.
The overall look of ‘Wish’ preserves what we loved about the classics yet it retains the updated look wth 3D animation. It is clear to see that Buck and Veerasunthorn themselves are huge fans of Disney. Their love and appreciate of those films in is clearly shown in scenes that take places in the forest, as well as in the town of Rosas.
Leaning into the nostalgia even more are the easter eggs seen throughout the film. Most are subtle and does not distract from the movie. Sharp eyed fans can spot nods to films like ‘Bambi,’ ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ ‘Cinderella,” ‘Peter Pan’ and more. Asha’s group of friends is a nod to the seven dwarves as some of their character design and characteristics hints at at specific traits of the dwarves. The easter eggs sprinkled throughout are not only visual. If you listen carefully, you’ll also hear it in the dialogue and music.
There are seven brand new songs in ‘Wish,’ written by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice. Michaels is the youngest songwriter to have worked on a Disney animated feature, and her style brings a contemporary sound to the mix. DeBose’s solo “This Wish” shows off her vocal range and ability to capture the raw emotion of Asha in her moment of desperation and hones in on the empowering message of believing in and fighting for your truth. This ballad has the potential to have the effect of ‘Frozen’s “Let It Go.”
Another standout number is King Magnifico’s “This Is The Thanks I Get?!” where he descends into dark magic and villainy. As the citizens of Rosas begin to question why they can’t remember their wishes, the King’s charming facade starts to crack. This is an upbeat song with clever lyrics, as the King sings about being under-appreciated after everything he’s done for the kingdom, being constantly asked for more, and ultimately turning to the forbidden spell book. Chris Pine delivers on all fronts in this fun and entertaining number.
The other songs in ‘Wish’ include “Welcome To Rosas,” “At All Costs,” “I’m A Star,” “Knowing What I Know Now,” and “This Wish (Reprise).”
‘Wish’ embraces all that is classic Disney animation, from the art style to the message of never stop believing in yourself (and your wishes). The idea of wishing upon a star may be a tale as old as time, but it is told in a refreshing way that’ll capture audiences young and old. The songs are incredibly catchy, and the adorable sidekicks Star and Valentino are guaranteed to steal your heart.
Chris Pine’s King Magnifico makes a magnificent villain and is extremely very fun to watch, though they could have gone into greater detail about his backstory on why he turned to sorcery, as it would have made his falling into dark magic all the more worth while.
‘Wish’ receives 8 out of 10 stars.
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What Is The Story of ‘Wish’?
Set in the magical kingdom of Rosas, the story introduces Asha (Ariana DeBose), an optimist with a sharp wit who deeply cares about her community. When Asha turns to the sky in a moment of need and makes a wish, her plea is answered by a cosmic force — a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, they face the most formidable of foes to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.
(L to R) Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel) in Walt Disney Pictures’ ‘Frozen.’
Get ready to head back into the unknown. Disney animated films ‘Frozen,’ ‘Toy Story,’ and ‘Zootopia‘ have been greenlit for sequels. The news was announced during Wednesday’s Q1 earnings call by Disney CEO Bob Iger, his first since returning to the company.
“Today I’m so pleased to announce that we have sequels in the works from our animation studios to some of our most popular franchises, ‘Toy Story,’ ‘Frozen’ and ‘Zootopia,’” says Iger. “We’ll have more to share about these productions soon, but this is a great example of how we’re leaning into our unrivaled brands and franchises.”
‘Frozen’ quickly became a household favorite when it premiered in 2013. With Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel as its leads, the sequel ‘Frozen 2’ garnered just as much attention in 2019. It got so popular that the musical version made its way to Disneyland’s Hyperion Theater and later to Broadway. ‘Toy Story’ stars the voices Tom Hanks and Tim Allen as Woody and Buzz Lightyear, becoming a beloved franchise since its debut in 1995. It even expanded its own universe with the release of ‘Lightyear’ in 2022 with Chris Evans as the lead.
The Box Office Success Of ‘Frozen’, ‘Toy Story’, and ‘Zootopia’
This should come as no surprise as all three films have had major success at the box office worldwide. ‘Frozen’ (2013) earned 1.2 billion with its sequel ‘Frozen 2’ (2019) earning 1.4 billion, and both ‘Toy Story 4’ (2019) and ‘Zootopia’ (2016) grossed over one billion.
On top of their financial success, these films have all taken home plenty of awards. ‘Toy Story 3,’ ‘Toy Story 4,’ ‘Frozen,’ and ‘Zootopia’ have all received Best Animated Feature at the Oscars. Frozen’s hit original song “Let It Go” (sung by Broadway superstar Idina Menzel) won Best Original Song at the 2020 Academy Awards.
The animation giant has released plenty of amazing titles such as ‘Luca,’ ‘Raya and the Last Dragon‘ and ‘Encanto,’ which also won Best Animated Feature at the 2022 Academy Awards. However popular, none of these titles were able to achieve the financial success of the aforementioned films.
(L to R) Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) in y Pixar Animation Studios’ ‘Toy Story.’
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But Do We Need More Sequels?
Some may say there’s no need for a sequel to these films but I think, there are plenty of stories left to tell. What type of adventures (or misadventures) can the sisters get into now that Elsa is the Snow Queen and Anna rules as the Queen of Arendelle? How expansive has Zoopotia become since the last film? And while Woody and Buzz may have parted ways (for now), there’s always something that brings the duo back together, plus we all would love to see a post-college Andy.
Those who are craving original stories can look forward to Pixar’s ‘Elemental’ this summer and ‘Wish’ from Walt Disney Animation in the fall.
(L to R) Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nicholas P. “Nick” Wilde (Jason Bateman) in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ ‘Zootopia.’
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(L to R) Voices of Lucy Liu, Jaboukie Young-White, Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, and Gabrielle Union in Disney’s ‘Strange World.’
Journeying to theaters on November 23rd, ‘Strange World’ is the latest animated adventure from Walt Disney Feature Animation.
The company has a checkered history with adventure stories. The one-two flop punch of ‘Atlantis: The Lost Empire’ and ‘Treasure Planet’ put the company off quests for a long time, while ‘Meet the Robinsons’ had pulpy retro thrills but didn’t connect with crowds.
So there is, understandably, a lot of pressure on ‘Strange World’, which offers up something similar to those movies, but with some modern sensibilities running through it that might just help it avoid the same fate.
The setting for this one is the community of Avalonia, whose occupants are obsessed with venturing beyond the mountains that cut them off from the rest of the world. Legendary explorer Jaeger Clade (Dennis Quaid) trains up a team to make the trip, looking to burnish his already sterling reputation by discovering what lies out there.
A prologue, animated in diverting style to look like pulp comic books, introduces us to Jaeger and his son Searcher (Jake Gyllenhaal), who goes with him on expeditions. Yet Searcher shows little sign of wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps. On the big mission across the mountains, Searcher and the others discover a mysterious plant crackling with electricity. While Jaeger opts to keep on with the mission – and disappears – Searcher returns home, hailed as a hero, since the plants, which they name Pando, help Avalonia evolve to the next level of industrial revolution.
(L to R) Voices of Lucy Liu, Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jaboukie Young-White, and Gabrielle Union in Disney’s ‘Strange World.’
Cut to 25 years later, and Searcher has realized his own destiny, working as a Pando farmer, with a family of his own – wife Meridian (Gabrielle Union) is a pilot whose crop dusting missions help keep the plants safe, while son Ethan (Jaboukie Young-White) helps out around the farm, but has his own ambitions.
Yet when the Pando starts to show signs of dying out, Avalonia’s President Callisto Mal (Lucy Liu), another former member of the expedition team that discovered the plant, Searcher must embrace the idea of exploration, joining the mission to discover what is happening.
A journey that takes them to a mysterious world that lurks below their own, one teaming with weird creatures and perilous situations. Oh, and because you don’t tend to cast Dennis Quaid just for one scene, a certain long-thought-dead explorer.
Directed by Don Hall and Qui Nguyen who collaborated on ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ (Nguyen here adds co-director to his credit, as well as writing the script again), infuse their latest movie with a lot of heart and thrills. And just a hint of ‘Jurassic Park’ when it comes to our heroes’ initial reactions to wonders around them.
Perhaps the biggest influences here are H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, whose stories are full of weird creatures and unknown lands, crossed with the pulp sci-fi magazines that were huge in the 1950s/60s and 1970s. And there’s also a healthy dollop of steampunk tech to be found.
Also healthy? The movie’s attitude towards LGBTQ+ relationships. After a few years of making nods towards the concept in some previous titles, having Ethan be openly gay (and with a same-sex love interest) and everyone else in the family be perfectly accepting is a great step forward. It’s walking the walk instead of simply talking the talk.
Then there’s Legend, the Clade family’s three-legged dog, who is a bundle of doggy energy who never lets one missing leg hold him back.
The cast all throw themselves into their roles – Quaid is gruffly enthusiastic as Jaeger, who has gone a little irrational during his time spent in the cavernous chamber. Gyllenhaal brings a likeable, relatable energy to Searcher, who is nervier than his dad, but still able to find the hero within when called upon.
Gabrielle Union’s Meridian plays well off of her family, and has her own storyline to enjoy, putting her piloting skills to good use when the crew’s own flyer is taken out by a tentacled terror (and since he’s voiced by regular Disney Animation player Alan Tudyk, that’s a fun nod to 2015’s ‘Serenity’ and his ill-fated pilot Wash).
Young-White, meanwhile, is an engaging Ethan, a lad who longs for his own life, but also loves his parents (except when they’re smooching in front of him). Liu has less to do as Callisto, but still factors into the story.
Visually speaking, ‘Strange World’ is seriously impressive – a lot of thought has clearly gone into the design of the titular land and its denizens, a clever and narrative-worthy for every decision made. Even the squishy creature sidekick that Ethan names “Splat”, that could easily have edged into overused, annoying mascot territory has a purpose and a personality, the filmmakers smartly pointing out the main reason for its existence by having one of the characters exclaim that they can’t wait to merchandise it.
The same can’t completely be said for the story, which follows a relative basic track, albeit with one or two neat surprises lurking within. Beyond the smallest kids, pretty much everyone will be able to figure out how things will wrap up long before the end. But with characters this entertaining, it’s not so much of a concern.
There are some familiar beats to be found lurking within too, though – did we really need the 750th version of daddy issues? It’s the main driver of drama here, since Searcher resents his father for leaving to venture further while the rest of the party returned. And while they would appear to have a solid father-son relationship, cracks start to show between Searcher and Ethan.
Fortunately, there’s enough here that it doesn’t annoy to quite the same degree.
‘Strange World’ will have to work to beat the “adventure curse” at the box office, but it’s certainly a worthy entry in Disney’s canon and would make an ideal family trip to the cinema during the busy Thanksgiving holiday.
