Disney's Moana live-action remake takes exciting step forward

The live-action Moana remake has taken an exciting step forward, with Disney close to securing a director for the project.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, the studio is lining up Thomas Kail, the director of Broadway hit Hamilton, to helm the project.

The remake of the 2016 animated film was announced in April, with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role Maui. Jared Bush, who wrote the script for the original film, will also be returning in a screenwriting capacity.

Thomas Kail

One person who won’t be returning is lead star Auli’i Cravalho, the voice of the titular character in the animation, with Disney wanting to find a younger actress for the lead role.

“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career. In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role,” said Cravalho in a video. “I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.

“I am truly honoured to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent to honour our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures, and communities that helped inspire her story, and I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come.

“As an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit, and emotional strength,” she added.

Moana, Disney

Set in Ancient Polynesia, Moana told the story of a young girl who sets off on a journey to reunite a mystical relic with a goddess, fending off her strict father and an ecological disaster in the process.

The remake, like its animated predecessor, will “celebrate the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders as seen through the eyes of a young woman eager to pave her own path.”

Moana currently has no release date.