Live-action 'Moana' remake sets Disney+ streaming release date

Moana of Motunui is coming to Disney+ soon. The live-action remake of "Moana" premieres October 21 on Disney+. Catherine Lagaia makes her film debut as Moana in Disney's latest live-action remake. The film follows his journey to rebuild the heart of Te Fiti and help his village. Dwayne Johnson returns in a larger-than-life role […]

Moana of Motunui is coming to Disney+ soon. The live-action remake of "Moana" will premiere on October 21 on Disney Plus.

Catherine Lagaia makes her film debut as Moana in Disney's latest live-action remake. The film follows his journey to rebuild the heart of Te Fiti and help his village. Dwayne Johnson returns as the elder demigod Maui and joins Moana on her sea adventures. RELATED STORIES Bryan Cranston Mourns 'Breaking Bad' Son RJ Mitte: 'I'll Miss You, Son' Scary Adaptation of Dante's 'Divine Comedy' From 'Invoking Yell' Director Patricio Valladares First Look From Skincrawl Studios

The live-action "Moana" also stars Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, John Toye as Chief Toye, Frankie Adams as Sienna and Jamin Clement as Tamatoa, the shiny crab king. Moana's trusty pet pig, Poa, confused rooster Heihai, Kakamura and fiery Te Ka also return in the film. Popular in Variety

"Moana" is a live-action Disney remake that escapes Disney's live-action remake blues—indeed, rises above them, Variety film critic Owen Gleiberman wrote in his review. "It's the best movie I've ever seen...and it's a rather odd strip because it's a whole genre where the definition of genre is that it's completely and utterly unnecessary. These movies don't add anything (except Disney's earnings).

"But in the case of 'Moana,'" he continued, "maybe for the first time, if you told me that a kid who had never seen the animated version was going to see the remake, I would say, 'All right.' Because the new 'Moana' really delivers on 'Moana': the beauty, the comic character, the fairy tale charm."

The film was directed by Thomas Keel and written by Jared Bush and Dana LeDoux Miller. It features music by Mark Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

"Moana" airs on Disney+ starting October 21.