Why is Dwayne Johnson Moana's lone returning actor for the live-action remake?
The only actor confirmed to be returning in the live-action Moana remake is Dwayne Johnson. Moana's original ensemble was mostly composed of players from Asian and Pacific Islander background, thus perhaps one reason only Johnson's return was reported was Disney's live-action remakes routinely reast characters.
Johnson's popularity and star power most certainly helped him to be chosen to perform as Maui. Although Johnson was a fan favorite for his performance in the first movie, some viewers would wonder if a remake is necessary given the cast of the original movie still fits their parts perfectly. Ten years separates the original from the remake.
Moana's live-action version calls for Dwayne Johnson's star power.
One of the main factors Johnson was chosen to return to Maui in the remake was his popularity. Johnson has been rather successful in movies such The Mummy Returns, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and the Fast & Furious series. He also fits the position since he quite resembles Maui.
Johnson's popularity among viewers also helped him to be selected to portray Maui. His voice is clear and his performance in the original Moana was appreciated. Furthermore, his celebrity would assist to attract a fresh audience for the remake.
Auli's Cravalho left Moana in live-action aged out.
Among the other performers that seemed like possible candidates to play Moana was Auli'i Cravalho. She is already returning to the part for the next Moana 2 and her voice is really distinct. She may not look convincing playing a young teen, though, as she has aged out of the part.
Cravalho voiced Moana in the animated movie while sixteen years old. She is twenty-three years old nowadays. The remake cast Catherine Laga'saia, a seventeen-year-old actress, to maintain the integrity of the narrative.
Moana may have invited other performers back like to Dwayne Johnson.
While Cravalho has aged out of the part, other Moana actors could have readily returned for the live-action adaptation. Playing Chief Tui, Moana's father, Temuera Morrison would have been an outstanding choice. Morrison has aged since 2016, yet his character is an established leader hence his age would not be of importance.
Another excellent choice to comeback would have been Nicole Scherzinger, portraying Moana's mother Sina. She is younger than Morrison, hence her age would not have bothered anyone either.
For the live-action version, who other Moana cast members might make returns?
Although Moana's principal characters have all been recast, several roles that would fit their original voice performers still remain empty-handed yet. For Heihei and Tamatoa, Jemaine Clement and Alan Tudyk, for instance, the voice actors could still repeat their parts since their characters would probably still be constructed in CGI.
Another actor who might comeback for the adaptation is Lin-Manuel Miranda. Originally working on the original as a vocalist and lyricist, he also provided some minor voices.
Original Moana Actors Who Might Resite Their Roles
Actors' Function
Alan Tudisk Heihei
Jemaine Clement Timatoa
Additional Vues by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Oscar Knightley Fishermen
Troy Polamalu Village resident
Puanani Cravalho Village
Disney's Maestro
Disney's Moana chronicles the title princess and is set in ancient Polynesia. Drawn to the water, Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) is the daughter of a tribe chief in a coastal town. She believes her mission is to return the Heart of Te Fiti, an enigmatic relic, to its proper place therefore preventing the blight endangering her island. She meets Maui (Dwayne Johnson), the trickster demi-god, along the road who supports her on her mission.
Both viewers and critics loved the movie, hence the live-action version should also be rather popular. Though it is doubtful that the whole cast will be back, viewers should hopefully see some familiar faces in the next movie.
