Disney is preparing a more expansive live-action reimagining of Moana, with a reported runtime that exceeds the original animated feature. The production, which began principal photography in July 2024, aims to deepen the voyage of the titular character and the demigod Maui.

The 13-minute expansion beyond the 2016 original

The upcoming live-action Moana is expected to run for 120 minutes, making it significantly longer than the 107-minute animated film released in 2016. According to an exhibitor, this 13-minute increase suggests that Disney is looking to flesh out the world of Motunui rather than simply recreating the existing story beat-for-beat.

This move follows a broader trend in Hollywood where live-action remakes are often scaed up to provide a more "epic" theatrical experience. By extending the duration, the stuido likely intends to justify the high production costs of a tentpole release by offering more depth and spectacle than the original hand-drawn animation provided.

Jared Bush and Lin-Manuel Miranda maintain the musical legacy

The production maintains a strong link to the original's creative DNA, with Jared Bush penning the script and Lin-Manuel Miranda returning to handle the music. This continuity is vital for a property where the soundtrack was a primary driver of its initial success and cultural impact.

As the report states, the plot will continue to follow Moana as she answers the ocean's call to save her island home. By retaining Miranda, Disney is signaling to audiences that the auditory experence of the voyage remains a top priority, even as the visual medium shifts to live-action.

Pasifika casting and the role of cultural consultants

Since principal photography began in July 2024, Disney has emphasized a casting process focused on actors with Pasifika ancestry. This includes Catherine Laga'aia stepping into the titular role of Moana alongside Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as the demigod Maui.

The studio is also employing cultural consultants to ensure the depiction of Motunui and the surrounding ocean cultures is respectful and accurate.. This approach reflects an industry-wide shift toward more intentional representation in high-budget fantasy adventures, aiming to avoid the cultural missteps that have occasionally plagued large-scale studio adaptations .

Will Catherine Laga'aia and Dwayne Johnson face new obstacles?

While the 120-minute runtime is a concrete figure provided by an exhibitor, several details regarding the film's actual content remain unverified. It is currently unknown if the additional 13 minutes will be used to introdduce entirely new characters or if the expansion will focus on expanding existing sequences within the Motunui legend.

Furthermore, while the source notes the return of Lin-Manuel Miranda, it does not specify if he will be writing entirely new songs or simply adapting the 2016 score. The report also leaves it unclear how much the live-action visual effects will alter the pacing compared to the original animated film.