The official trailer for "Moana" (directed by Thomas Kale, opening in Japan on July 31), a live-action film adaptation of the classic Disney animated film, has just been released. The trailer shows the opening scene of the epic adventure and reveals Dwayne Johnson as the legendary hero Maui.
"Moana" tells the story of Moana, a girl chosen by the sea, who embarks on an extraordinary adventure across the beautiful and mysterious ocean with the legendary demigod Maui to save her beloved family and the world. The first animated film, "Moana" (released in Japan in March 2017), produced in 2016, grossed over $640 million worldwide (approximately 96 billion yen, according to Box Office Mojo, calculated at 1 dollar = 150 yen), and was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. "Moana 2," released in December 2024, was an even bigger hit, grossing $1.05 billion (approximately 157.5 billion yen).
In the live-action film, 19-year-old rising star Katherine Lagaia, known for her "miraculous singing voice," has been cast as Moana, while Johnson, who also voiced Maui in the animated version, will play the role.
Director Kale commented on making "Moana" a live-action film, saying, "In live-action films, there are human beings, so the rhythm of breathing is different. In animation, characters can move freely, but that's not the case in live-action. By utilizing the emotional depth unique to live-action, we've created a visual experience that generates new emotions and laughter."
The newly released trailer depicts the destiny of Moana, a girl deeply connected to the sea, and the beginning of her epic adventure. The story is set on a southern island where mystical legends thrive. With the narration, "There is a girl on a certain island who is different from all the others," we see Moana, who loves the sea and the islanders more than anyone and was raised as the pride of her family. Eventually, her grandmother Tala tells her her destiny. "Moana, listen. Who are you?" she asks. And then, she learns the truth of the legend that has been passed down on the island, saying, "The legend is true." "Beyond the coral reef, an evil darkness is closing in"... Entrusted with a mission as the "chosen one of the sea," Moana sets out on a journey across the open sea in her small canoe to find Maui and return Te Fiti's heart. The image of her gliding across the sparkling blue waves is an impressive scene that symbolizes the start of an epic adventure.
Furthermore, the trailer reveals the appearance of the legendary hero Maui, played by Johnson. Johnson, who also voiced the role in the animated version, portrays Maui in live-action, further increasing anticipation for the epic adventure that Moana and Maui will embark on. He boldly declares, "I am a demigod of wind and sea. A hero of men," and the trailer also depicts humorous banter between him and Moana. Meanwhile, the story gradually becomes more tense, and when Maui dismisses her, saying, "I can't go on adventures with humans," Moana shows strong determination. She accepts her destiny, saying, "I'm not a princess. I'm the chief's daughter. I'm Moana, the one who leads the people," and the trailer depicts her growing into a true leader.
The trailer also shows Moana singing "The light that shines on the sea is calling me" to the tune of Lagaia's famous song "How Far I'll Go," dramatically expressing Moana's inner feelings and destiny. Finally, it includes the eerie yet humorous appearance of Tamatoa in the form of a giant crab, making this trailer a compilation of epic adventure, humorous banter, and moving music.
This trailer raises expectations for the epic musical adventure that depicts the fate and adventures of Moana, a girl chosen by the sea, with powerful visuals and music unique to live-action films.
