Disney taps back catalogue − again − for live-action ‘Moana’

The new film, a shot-for-shot rehash of the original 2016 animated hit, is banking on spectacular special effects to draw in crowds

Disney’s reliance on its back catalogue of characters and franchises was underlined again this week with the release of a live-action version of Moana, a remake of the Polynesian-themed animation hit that is only a decade old.

The original Moana from 2016 follows a young Polynesian girl who sets off on an adventure across the ocean, accompanied by the demigod Maui, to save her people and their atoll.

A sequel came out in 2024 and a third animated instalment is in the works, while the new live-action version starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson hit screens worldwide on Wednesday. [It will be released in Malta on Friday].

Read the full story on Times2.

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