Dwayne Johnson revealed today in a recorded message from Hawaii that a live-action reimagining of Disney Animation’s 2016 hit feature film “Moana” is in development. The announcement was shared by Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger during The Walt Disney Company’s Meeting of Shareholders Webcast.

The new feature film is produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions and Beau Flynn via Flynn Picture Co. Executive producers include Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 film, and Scott Sheldon of Flynn Picture Co. Jared Bush and Samoan industry pro Dana Ledoux Miller will also take part in the production. Bush, who was a director and co-writer of Disney’s Oscar®-winning feature “Encanto” and a writer and co-director on Disney’s Oscar®-winning film “Zootopia,” wrote the screenplay for 2016’s “Moana.”

Like its animated predecessor, the film 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’s journey of self-discovery and reflection on the lives of her ancestors won hearts worldwide, as did her newfound friendship with an exiled demigod named Maui.

Johnson, who plans to return to the fictional world to set sail with Moana, said, “I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen. This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me. I want to thank my partners at Disney for their strong commitment to this special endeavor, because there is no better world for us to honour the story of our people, our passion and our purpose than through the realm of music and dance, which is at the core of who we are as Polynesian people.”

Native Hawaiian actor Cravalho, who helped shape Moana in the original film, said the beloved protagonist’s reach is sweeping. “She has had such a profound impact on how we think of Disney princesses,” Cravalho said. “Moana’s strength and perseverance are inspiring—to audiences around the world, to me and to everyone who helped bring her to life. I’m looking forward to sharing her story in a whole new way.”

Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production (Disney Live Action), said the film would join a successful lineup of live-action adaptations that include 2017’s “Beauty and the Beast,” 2019’s “Aladdin” and the highly anticipated live-action version of “The Little Mermaid,” opening May 26. “It’s still early, but the idea of working with these fantastic partners to tell such a meaningful story on a live-action canvas, particularly as we celebrate 100 years of storytelling at Disney, is thrilling,” said Bailey.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” debuted in theatres on Nov. 23, 2016, grossing nearly $644 million in global box office. The title, which debuted on Disney+ with the streamer’s 2019 launch, is among the top 15 movies streamed in the United States in 2022. The film’s soundtrack, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina, was lauded worldwide. Miranda won a GRAMMY® for best song written for visual media (“How Far I’ll Go”), and an Oscar® nomination for best achievement in music written for motion pictures – original song (“How Far I’ll Go”). In 2021, the “Moana” soundtrack broke a Billboard Soundtrack chart record for the amount of time spent at number one (52 weeks). Additionally, the film was nominated for an Academy Award (best animated feature film of the year), a BAFTA (best animated feature film) and a pair of Golden Globes® (best motion picture – animated and best original song (“How Far I’ll Go”)).

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to win a MOANA Blu-ray Combo Pack!

Synopsis:
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana,” the sweeping story of a spirited teenager who sets sail on a daring adventure to save her people, starring newcomer Auli‘i Cravalho as the voice of brave and tenacious Moana and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (HBO’s “Ballers,” “Central Intelligence”) as the larger-than-life demigod Maui, has dazzled both critics and audiences. The film earned a 95% critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes.

Trailer:

Artwork:

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MOANA sets a new course, arriving to homes on Digital HD/3D on February 21, 2017 and on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on March 7, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

©2016 Disney

For a third straight week, ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY dominates the Box Office with $50.8 million from 4,157 theatres across North America.  In its North American run it has made $441 million thus far for Disney. This makes it 2016’s second-highest grossing Film, behind FINDING DORY (also, Disney) which earned $486.3 million this year.

SING continues to be highly bankable for Universal Pictures, in second with $42.5 million from 4,209 theatres. In its two-week run, it has made $179 million already domestically.

PASSENGERS is in third this weekend for Sony Pictures with $15.5 million, a total of $65 million over two weeks.

MOANA is in fourth with $10.4 million for Disney, a six week total of $212.8 million.

FENCES is performing strongly, placing fifth with $$9.9 million for Paramount Pictures from 2,301 theatres, totaling $32 million over three weeks. It has an impeccable 95% score on the Tomatometer, with an A- CinemaScore.

LA LA LAND is in sixth with $9.4 million from only 750 theatres across North America. It has made $36.8 million already as it continues to expand over four weeks.

WHY HIM? is in seventh with $8.6 million for 20th Century Fox, a total $35.7 million in two weeks.

MANCHESTER BY THE SEA rounds-out the Top Ten with $3.9 million, a total $29.3 million in seven weeks.

What I love most about working with Team Mr. Will is that we really are connected on a deep level as true lovers of Film. We all at some point were that passionate fan who queued hours in rush lines at Festivals or fought valiantly to win a contest to an Advance Screening. Despite our eclectic tastes, we work with open minds and are a judgment-free zone. We read each other’s reviews, learn and grow from one another. Although it sometimes is a great challenge splitting titles among our team, it always is love and somehow always works out in the end. We’re Filmgoers just like you with lives, jobs and school, but no matter what there always is time for our greatest passion, Film.

Whether it be Jon Godfrey‘s artistic and aesthetic sensibility, David Baldwin‘s great attunement to detail, George Kozera‘s energy and wit, Justin Waldman‘s infectious passion for Sci-Fi and Animation, Siobhán Rich‘s vast knowledge and versatility or Amanda Gilmore‘s fresh on-the-pulse perspective, we all have a unique voice that comes together in harmony as a rich, complex chord.

 See our Team’s Ten Best-Of 2016 Lists.

Which speak loudest to you? Which inspire you to expand your cinematic horizons?

Mr. Will

SIOBHÁN RICH (@Typo_Eh)

This has been such a great year for Film I would have preferred to submit a Top Twenty list. My alphabetical Top Ten leaves off the fantastic Animated Movie The Red Turtle, Mark Duplass’ touching Black and White Film Blue Jay, the brilliant Documentary Tower, and great Oscar hopefuls like Nocturnal Animals, Twentieth Century Women and A Monster Calls. So, if those got left off my list imagine how great these ten Movies are!

Angry Indian Goddesses
Cameraperson
Everybody Wants Some!!
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Kubo and the Two Strings
Loving
Moonlight
Paterson
Toni Erdmann
The Women’s Balcony

JON GODFREY (@Skot_Somers)

Instead of explaining each Film, I’ll explain my method for making this list. I’ve been doing this for many years now, and I’ve grown honest enough with myself to know that what I like may not be for everyone. Be that as it may, in the last twelve months these are the Films that left the greatest impression on me. These are the Films I enjoyed on the big screen, or at home on TV. These are the Films I lost myself in, or enjoyed with the people I love. These are the Films that made me feel like a kid again, or helped me grow as a man. For me, these have been the Ten Best Films of 2016.

1. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
2. Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice
3. Loving
4. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
5. Eight Days a Week
6. Shin Godzilla
7. Moonlight
8. Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV
9. Knight of Cups
10. Warcraft

DAVID BALDWIN (@DaveMABaldwin)

When I look back at 2016, it is hard to believe how wild and chaotic a year it has been. While there were dozens of genuinely terrific Films, there were an immense amount of disappointments. I may be getting increasingly harder to please at the Movies, but the Top Ten Films for me this year challenged my expectations and each had a profound affect that have lasted long after the credits finished rolling.

1. Swiss Army Man
2. Nocturnal Animals
3. Arrival
4. La La Land
5. O.J.: Made in America
6. Zootopia
7. Hell or High Water
8. The Nice Guys
9. Moana
10. The Edge of Seventeen

JUSTIN WALDMAN (@DubsReviews)

This Top Ten list is in no particular order, but also self-explanatory. You have everything from must see blockbusters to small little things from brilliant Directors like Charlie Kaufman. While there may be some gigantic titles like that small space Indie about a galaxy far far away that everyone and their pets are seeing, but the small indies and the underrated Comedies must make my Top Ten list. 2016 was incredible, and these ten Movies are some of the best of the best.

Anomalisa
Bad Moms
The Edge of Seventeen
Deadpool
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Kubo and the Two Strings
La La Land
Loving
Moana
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

AMANDA GILMORE (@GilmoreAmanda)

The Top Ten Movies I have chosen for 2016 are varied from one another. There is a Film for everyone on this list. My list includes the most important Films from multiple genres and storylines.

1. La La Land
2. Moonlight
3. Arrival
4. Manchester By The Sea
5. Nocturnal Animals
6. 10 Cloverfield Lane
7. Zootopia
8. Jackie
9. Elle
10. Don’t Breathe

GEORGE KOZERA (@PartyG)

2016 may not have been a banner year for Movies for me personally, but since seeing it at TIFF ’16, I am still obsessed with Director Damien Chazelle’s musical masterpiece, followed closely by the most compelling Documentary I have seen since Hoop Dreams. Indie features, outstanding performances by female veterans (Meryl Streep and Sally Field), and an exciting new voice in Canadian Cinema rocked my world in 2016.

1. La La Land
2. OJ: Made in America
3. Closet Monster
4. Moonlight
5. Manchester by the Sea
6. Love and Friendship
7. Deadpool
8. Captain Fantastic
9. Florence Foster Jenkins
10. Hello, My Name is Doris

The Team Mr. Will 2016 Holiday Selfie

(L to R: Jon, Amanda, Dave, Siobhán + Justin)

Love these guys! The most passionate, eclectic and inspired team of Film Lover-slash-Writers whom I have the honour to work with. A lovely time catching-up at our Holiday Brunch. Can the #Manmosa be our official team beverage?🎄 Stay tuned for their Ten Bests of #2016!

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Dec 17, 2016 at 1:33pm PST

…and of course we can’t forget George + our official Team Mascot, “Princess” (@APicByMrWill)

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/eOne Films/Elevation Pictures/Fox Searchlight/Universal Pictures/The Orchard/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada/ESPN Films)

As anticipated, ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY debuts dominantly this weekend with $152.2 million from 4,157 theatres for Disney. Despite equally strong reviews from Critics with 84% on the Tomatometer, getting an A CinemaScore from Audiences also, it cannot best last year’s STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS‘ record-setting $247 million opening. This however, makes ROGUE ONE the second-highest opening ever for a Film in December.

MOANA makes it a Disney Double, placing second with $12.5 million, a total of $162.7 million over four weeks domestically.

OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY lands in third this weekend with $7.9 million for Paramount Pictures, a total $31 million over two weeks.

COLLATERAL BEAUTY lands in fourth with $7.2 million from 3,028 theatres for Warner Bros.  Critics gave it a harsh 14% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences loved the Holiday Drama with an all-star cast including Kate Winslet, Edward Norton, Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren and Will Smith, with an A- CinemaScore.

MANCHESTER BY THE SEA expands to 1,208 theatres for Mongrel Media/Roadside Attractions, good enough for sixth with $4.1 million.

LA LA LAND also expands in its second week to just 200 theatres, earning a whopping $4.1 million for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films. This looks great for the Oscar contender which continues its expansion in coming weeks. It gets a Canadian release Christmas Day in select cities.

ARRIVAL is in ninth with $2.9 million for Paramount Pictures, a total $86.6 million now in six weeks.

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS rounds-out the Top Ten with 1,246 theatres for Universal Pictures with $1.4 million. In five weeks it has made $8.8 million.

For a third straight week Disney‘s MOANA takes the top of the Box Office, earning $18.8 million this weekend from 3,875 theatres.  In its domestic run thus far, it has grossed $145.3 million.

In second in its debut is Paramount Pictures’ OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY with $16.8 million from 3,210 theatres. The Holiday Comedy with an all-star cast including Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Kate McKinnon and T.J. Miller, gets a B CinemaScore from Audiences and a 44% on the Tomatometer from Critics.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM lands in third this weekend with $10 million for Warner Bros., just shy of the $200 million-mark over four weeks.

ARRIVAL shows amazing momentum now in its fifth week with $5.2 million for Paramount Pictures, earning $82 million across North America in five weeks.

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS expands to 1,262 theatres for Universal Pictures this weekend, making $3.6 million, a total $6.7 million over four weeks and a second Film for Amy Adams in the Top Ten this weekend in addition to ARRIVAL.

Oscar Contender MANCHESTER BY THE SEA expands to 368 theatres, bringing-in $3,1 million for Mongrel Media/Roadside Attractions. In four weeks it has tallied $8.2 million.

HACKSAW RIDGE rounds-out the Top Ten with $2.3 million for Elevation Pictures/Lionsgate Films, a total $60.8 million in six weeks.

Bubbling under is Oscar favourite LA LA LAND which plays in limited engagement in five theatres to earn an excellent $850k for eOne Films/Liosngate Films.

For a second straight week, MOANA tops the Box Office for Disney, with $29.6 million from 3,875 theatres. In two weeks it has made $121 million domestically, getting a break from competitors with no new wide releases slated.

Former champ FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM is in second with $16.8 million for Warner Bros., tallying $181.3 million over three weeks.

ALLIED lands in third with $7.3 million for Paramount Pictures in its second week, almost passing the $30-million mark.

ARRIVAL is in fourth with $7.1 million also for Paramount Pictures. In its four weeks out it has made $71 million.

BAD SANTA 2 is in eighth in its second week out with $3.1 million for eOne Films/Broad Green Pictures. It has made $15 million in its run so far.

Oscar contender MANCHESTER BY THE SEA rounds out the Top Ten with $2.2 million from only 156 theatres. It has made $4.3 million over three weeks for Mongrel Media/Roadside Attractions.

As expected, Disney’s MOANA takes the top of the Box Office this U.S. Thanksgiving holiday with $54.7 million from 3,875 theatres across North America. Critically, the Animated Feature gets a stellar 98% on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM continues to bring-in strong numbers with $45 million in its second week out, a total $155.8 million domestically for Warner Bros.

DOCTOR STRANGE, a former Box Office topper, lands in third with $13.5 million for Marvel/Disney, surpassing $205 million in four weeks.

ALLIED debuts in fourth with $12.6 million for Paramount Pictures from 3160 theatres. Starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard, it gets 62% on the Tomatometer and a B CinemaScore.

BAD SANTA 2 opens in seventh with $5.2 million from 2,900 theatres for Broad Green Pictures/eOne Films with a C+ from Audiences at CinemaScore and 25% on the Tomatometer.

THE EDGE OF SEVETEEN rounds-out the Thanksgiving Top Ten with $2.9 million from 1,945 theatres for STX Entertainment/VVS Films. It has earned $4.1 million over two weeks.

Right in time for her 16th birthday, Hawaiian-born singer/actress Auli’i Cravalho is in Toronto today to promote her debut Feature, Disney’s Moana.  The lovely burgeoning star was handpicked by the studio after a rigorous audition process which saw her last to audition and first to be chosen out of hundreds of young Polynesian women.

Her first name pronounced “Ow-Lee-Ee“, Cravalho endured the wind and cold to make stops around the morning circuit here including CITY‘s Breakfast Television and a taping of Entertainment CITY. In addition, she appeared on CP24 Breakfast and Global‘s The Morning Show after meeting with Press all day yesterday.

We met the star herself this morning, flower adorning her hair, and full of charm. She loved Billy!

See our Snap:

With the lovely star of Disney’s #MOANA, #AuliiCravalho, in Toronto today. Expect Box Office domination for this U.S. Thanksgiving animated adventure!

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 22, 2016 at 5:41am PST

Industry numbers are projecting approximately $75 million for the title across North America, over the U.S. Thanksgiving Holiday. The Animated Feature is about a young girl (Cravalho) and her journey with Demigod Maui (recent PEOPLE Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive honouree Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) to becoming a master wayfinder. Along the way, she fulfills an ancient quest for her ancestors.  A true show of confidence from the “House of the Mouse” in its product is that it has topped its competitiors in spending on TV advertising up through this past Sunday according to Variety.

See the Trailer:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release MOANA Wednesday, November 23, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to take Readers to a 3D Advance Screening of MOANA. Screenings take place as follows:

RICHMOND HILL Thursday, November 10 7:00 PM SilverCity Richmond Hill

WHITBY Thursday, November 17 7:00 PM Landmark Whitby

MISSISSAUGA Thursday, November 17 7:00 PM Cineplex Cinemas Mississauga

VANCOUVER Thursday, November 10 7:00 PM SilverCity Metropolis

EDMONTON Thursday, November 17 7:30 PM South Edmonton

Synopsis:
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new feature film “Moana” is about an adventurous teenager who, with help from demigod Maui, sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and save her people.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City.

MOANA is in theatres Wednesday, November 23, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

©2016 Disney