“To be able to showcase our Polynesian culture in this way has really been a real honor. You want to be protective because the animated film was so good.”
Disney is giving fans a closer look at its upcoming live-action “Moana,” with stars Dwayne Johnson, who returns as Maui, and Catherine Laga’aia, who plays Moana, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the highly anticipated film.
In the newly released featurette, Laga’aia emphasizes the care being taken with the adaptation, saying, “On live-action ‘Moana,’ everyone is making sure that every single aspect stays true to what ‘Moana’ is really about.”
Johnson also speaks to the cultural heart of the project. “Here in the Islands we use a word called ‘mana.’ The spirit and the power that comes from in here *pounds chest*. Throughout live-action ‘Moana,’ there is so much mana. And, I can’t wait for the world to see this movie,” he shared.
Director Thomas Kail says the production assembled “a remarkable team of artisans and craftspeople from that region of the world” to help bring the story, setting and spirit of “Moana” to life in a new form.
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The featurette also highlights the work of costume designer Liz McGregor and choreographer Tiana Nonosina Liufau, both of whom reflect on the significance of weaving their Polynesian culture into the film’s visual style, movement and storytelling.
Fans can revisit the animated favorites “Moana” and “Moana 2,” both of which are streaming now on Disney+.
The live-action “Moana” is set to arrive in theaters on July 10.
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