For Black Adam, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson had some really grandiose and aspirational ideas.
The Rock approached Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, convinced that the movie would be a box office hit, with ideas for how to direct the DCEU's future. These plans included spinoffs for Black Adam's Justice Society of America heroes and a potential clash with Henry Cavill's Superman.
These plans ultimately came to nothing as Zaslav decided to relaunch the DC Comics film universe with James Gunn and Peter Safran after Black Adam bombed at the box office.
Now, Johnson is returning to his Disney roots, where he previously found success with Race to Witch Mountain, Jungle Cruise, and Moana.
The Rock will now focus on the latter, as Disney has already revealed that a live-action version of Moana is in the works. However, they have also made it clear that the majority of the animation actors from the original film will not be returning to their roles.
The lone exception currently is Johnson, who will be portraying the demi-god, Maui.
Johnson was a recent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he shared a few details about the remake.
While speaking to Fallon, Johnson shared, "My next project that I will be shooting is a live-action version of Moana...I am the real-life Maui. Thank you guys very much. I'm so excited about this. It's a way to pay homage to not only my Polynesia heritage and culture [but] it's also just an incredible story that resonates with everybody around the world. Especially young girls, empowering young girls [with a story about] what's in front of you and then there's the stuff that you can't see, that's way out there, and to have faith and confidence in who you are and to go out there even if you can't see it."
"And Moana happens to meet the demi-god Maui, who helps her see that and she helps him. So it's going to be amazing. Tommy Kail is going to direct it, who did Hamilton, the incredible Hamilton. He's unbelievable. And coming back to do all the music of Moan is Lin-Manuel Miranda."
The Rock then went on to surprise the audience with a rendition of his singing voice, performing "You're Welcome," a catchy Maui song from the original animated picture.
Released in 2016, Moana went on to gross $682 million worldwide from a production budget of $150 million. It's also one of the most popular streaming tiles on Disney+.
Auli'i Cravalho, who previously voiced the titular character, confirmed via Instagram that she would not be back for the live-action film but that she would executive produce the remake.
In her post, Cravalho stated in the video, "When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career. In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell. So, as an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength. I’m truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent to honor our incredible peoples, cultures and communities that help inspire her story."
Now 22, Disney fans are hoping that Cravalho does end up with a role in the film, with many suggesting that she would make the perfect goddess of nature, Te Fiti.
Additionally, an animated television spinoff for Moana is set to premiere on Disney+ in 2024.