Hamilton Director Hired to Direct Disney’s Live-Action Moana

Hamilton Director Hired to Direct Disney’s Live-Action Moana

Disney’s live-action Moana continues to take shape. Thomas Kail, the Tony Award-winning director of Broadway’s Hamilton, has been hired to direct Disney’s live-action remake of the 2016 animated musical Moana. Disney announced the project earlier in the spring, along with the news that Duane Johnson will reprise his role as Maui.

Johnson will also serve as executive producer along with Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia. Jared Bush, who wrote the screenplay for the original musical, returns to the remake with Dana Ledoux Miller. Auli Cravallo recently shared via social media that she will not return to reprise her role as Moana, turning instead to a new star.

Thomas Kail put Broadway on notice when he directed Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights in 2008, earning a Tony for best direction of a musical. In 2015 Kail and Miranda hooked up again, this time for Hamilton. Kail won the best direction prize, with the musical winning 11 awards out of the 16 for which it was nominated.

Most recently, Kail directed a revival of Sweeney Todd featuring Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford. Sweeney Todd is nominated for 8 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.

Related: Auli’i Cravalho Announces She Will Not Be Returning as Moana in Live-Action Remake

In Disney’s Moana, viewers are taken on an enchanting and thrilling journey that celebrates the power of self-discovery, bravery, and the importance of preserving one’s cultural heritage. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, this animated musical film captures the hearts of audiences with its stunning visuals, captivating story, and memorable characters.

Set in the beautiful Polynesian islands, Moana tells the story of a young and spirited teenager named Moana Waialiki. As the daughter of Chief Tui and Sina, Moana is destined to be the future leader of her people on the island of Motunui. However, she feels a deep connection to the ocean and a longing to explore beyond the safety of her home’s reef.

Moana’s desire to set sail is ignited when her island begins to suffer from a mysterious darkness, causing the crops to wither and the fish to disappear. Guided by her wise and eccentric grandmother, Gramma Tala, Moana learns about the ancient legend of Te Fiti, a powerful island goddess who can restore life and bring harmony to the world. Determined to save her people, Moana embarks on a daring adventure to find Maui, a legendary demigod who possesses the heart of Te Fiti.

With the help of her tenacious and endearing rooster Heihei, Moana navigates treacherous waters, battles fearsome monsters, and faces her own self-doubts. Along her journey, she encounters the larger-than-life Maui, who initially dismisses her as an inexperienced navigator. However, Moana’s determination and resilience gradually win Maui’s respect, and together they embark on an epic quest to restore the heart of Te Fiti.

As Moana and Maui traverse the vast ocean, they encounter various obstacles, including the mischievous coconut pirates known as the Kakamora and the monstrous lava demon Te Kā. Through these trials, Moana’s inner strength and connection to her ancestors are tested. She learns to trust her instincts, discovers her true identity as a wayfinder, and embraces her heritage as she uncovers the significance of her people’s voyaging past.

With heartfelt musical numbers composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, Moana’s soundtrack amplifies the film’s emotional depth and cultural richness. Songs like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome” capture the essence of Moana’s journey, showcasing her determination and the transformative power of self-belief.

In a climactic and emotional confrontation, Moana faces Te Kā, realizing that the fiery monster is the result of Te Fiti’s stolen heart. With the power of love and understanding, Moana succeeds in restoring Te Fiti’s heart, healing the ocean, and bringing life back to her island and its people.

Moana’s voyage is not just a personal triumph, but it also ignites a reconnection with her people’s seafaring traditions. As she returns to Motunui, Moana embraces her destiny as a wayfinder and inspires her community to reclaim their voyaging heritage, rekindling the spirit of exploration and discovery.

Disney’s Moana is a visually stunning and thematically rich film that showcases the power of determination, the importance of embracing one’s cultural roots, and the beauty of the ocean’s vast potential. With its strong female protagonist, breathtaking animation, and heartfelt storytelling, Moana continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us all to listen to the call of adventure and follow our hearts.

The new film will continue to celebrate the Islands, communities, and traditions of the Pacific Islands. Disney has yet to announce a release date for the upcoming film. Stay tuned for more casting and production news here at Chip and Company.

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