The long-awaited adventure film "Moana" (Moana) has started showing in Lviv cinemas. This is not just a continuation of the famous cartoon, but a large-scale film adaptation with live actors, including the mega-popular Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the lead role. The world premiere of the film from Walt Disney Pictures coincides with the 10th anniversary of the original animation's release.
Familiar plot and Hollywood stars
The film completely recreates the story of the animated hit of the same name from 2016, which once conquered millions of viewers around the world. The main feature of the new adaptation is its cast. The role of the mighty demigod Maui was played by one of the most popular actors of our time, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who previously voiced this character in the original cartoon.
For Johnson, this project became deeply personal:
"This story is my culture, and this story is a symbol of the grace and warrior strength of our people. I proudly wear this culture on my skin and in my soul, and this unique opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, Chief Peter Maivia, is very important to me," the actor shared.
He was joined on set by young actress Catherine Lagaya, who transformed into the brave Moana.
The film also stars John Tu'i (Chief Tui), Frankie Adams (Sina), and Rena Owen (Grandma Tala). Auli'i Cravalho, who voiced the original animated Moana, supported the project this time as an executive producer.
What the film is about: the plot of the legendary story
The film completely recreates the events of the beloved animated hit, but transfers them into the format of an epic live-action film. The plot unfolds across the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean among the islands of ancient Polynesia.
Fearless girl Moana, daughter of the tribal chief on the island of Motunui, embarks on a dangerous sea journey to save her people from an ecological disaster and an ancient curse. To do this, she needs to find the once mighty but narcissistic demigod Maui, force him to return the stolen heart of the goddess of life Te Fiti, and together defeat the fire demon Te Kā. Viewers can expect large-scale battles on water, funny disputes between the main characters, and incredible ocean views.
How the film was made
The director of the new "Moana" was Thomas Kail, and the screenplay was written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledu Miller. Principal photography took place in the picturesque locations of Hawaii and in Atlanta under the working title "Canon".
Where and when to watch in Lviv
Screenings of the film have already started in the city's major cinema chains. Lviv residents can watch the premiere in the following cinemas:
"Planet Kino" in Forum Lviv shopping mall (7B Pid Dubom St.);
"Planet Kino" in King Cross Leopolis shopping mall (Sokilnyky, 30 Stryiska St.);
"Planet Kino" in Leoland sports and entertainment center (18 Melnyka St.);
"Multiplex" in Victoria Gardens shopping mall (226A Kulparkivska St.);
"Multiplex" in Spartak cinema and entertainment center (1B Hetman Mazepa St.).
In most cinemas, screenings are available in both classic 2D and 3D formats with an immersive effect. Tickets and a detailed schedule of screenings for each day can be found on the official websites of the cinema chains.
Read also: 'To See' by Touch. A unique book for blind children by Myroslav Dochynets was created in Lviv
We remind you that the film's release was initially scheduled for the summer of 2025. However, due to the prolonged strike of the Hollywood union SAG-AFTRA in 2023, casting and the start of filming had to be postponed. Later, after the announcement of the animated sequel "Moana 2", Disney decided to postpone the live-action remake premiere to the current date, July 10, 2026, to ensure an optimal time gap between the two projects of the franchise.
