"Moana," a live-action film adaptation of the classic Disney animated film (directed by Thomas Kale), will be released in Japan on July 31st. Three character posters featuring the main characters, including the protagonist Moana (Katherine Lagaia) and the legendary hero Maui (Dwayne Johnson), which are full of summery vibes, were released on June 15th.
"Moana" tells the story of Moana, a girl with a special bond to the sea who lives on the mystical paradise island of Motunui in the South Seas. To save her beloved family and the world, she embarks on an adventurous journey across the vast ocean. She searches for the legendary demigod Maui, and together they overcome various hardships, forging her own path in life.
The first animated film in the series, "Moana," produced in 2016 (released in Japan in March 2017), grossed over $640 million worldwide (approximately 96 billion yen, according to Box Office Mojo, calculated at 1 dollar = 150 yen, the same applies below) and was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature Film 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 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.
The three character posters released this time all feature summery visuals with the ocean as a backdrop. One poster captures Moana's resolute expression, conveying her firm determination to embark on an adventure to protect her beloved island. In contrast to Moana, Maui's visual shows him with a cheerful expression, showcasing both his strength and lovableness as he gradually becomes a reliable supporter of Moana despite his grumpy remarks. There is also a cute poster featuring Moana's beloved companions, the piglet Pua and the chicken Heihei. These visuals make us look forward to seeing how these popular characters from the animated version will play a role in the live-action film. The musical adventure "Moana" will be released on July 31st.
