Live-Action 'Moana' Brings Polynesian Spirit to Theaters

The live-action adaptation of Disney's Moana premieres this week, a decade after the original animated film, with director Thomas Kail aiming to capture the same spirit and passion. The film stars Catherine Laga'aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui. Source: infobae; Source: hoydo

Faithful Adaptation

The film closely follows the original plot, with Moana leaving her island to restore the heart of Te Fiti alongside the demigod Maui. According to Clarín, this reverence is both a strength and a limitation: "Su respeto absoluto por el material de partida garantiza una experiencia efectiva y emotiva, pero también reduce el margen para descubrir algo diferente." Source: clarin However, La Voz notes that some question whether the adaptation came too soon, just a decade after the original. Source: lavozar

Cultural Representation

A major focus is authentic representation of Polynesian culture. Catherine Laga'aia, of Samoan descent, expressed pride in portraying a character that reflects her heritage, saying, "Tener una representación de mí misma que fuera tan cercana a quien yo era... me abrió nuevas puertas." Source: excelsiormx Dwayne Johnson emphasized that the film is a tribute to his grandfather, legendary Samoan wrestler Peter Maivia, who inspired Maui. Source: diariolibree The production included cultural advisors on set. Source: hoydo

• Cast: Catherine Laga'aia debuts as Moana; Rena Owen plays Grandma Tala.