Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson looks set to add another feather to his actor’s cap after a report by TheWrap states that the WWE wrestler-turned-movie star has entered talks to play a key part in Disney’s upcoming CG animation Moana.
Specifically, that role will be Maui, a powerful demi-god who aids the titular explorer in her maritime adventure across the South Pacific. Coming by way of Ron Clements and John Musker — the creative pairing behind The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Princess and the Frog — Moana has been billed as an epic, sea-faring tale that will see a young, wiser-than-her-years girl traverse the open water in search of a fabled island. It’s a journey that will have her come across Johnson’s purported character, mammoth sea creatures and beautiful underwater ruins.
At this time, there is no word on which actress will play the coveted role of Moana, though should Johnson’s place be secured, we expect the studio to cast the part sooner rather than later.
Even at this early stage, we’re cautiously optimistic about Clements and Musker’s upcoming project. Moana’s inherent desire to chase the horizon echoes that of Carl Fredricksen’s from Up — albeit with a less emotional slant — and we’re hoping the pair can cook up a similar sense of awe and wonder when the animation weaves its way to screens in 2016.
Moana is scheduled to set sail for theaters on November 23rd, 2016. We’ll likely learn more about the film and its full casting list in the coming months, but for now, you can check out the official synopsis below.
Moana is set in the ancient South Pacific world of Oceania. Moana, a born navigator, searches for a fabled island and her incredible journey teams with her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui, as they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and ancient folklore.