Disney's live-action 'Moana' arrives in theaters

SALT LAKE CITY — The live-action adaptation of Disney's "Moana" opened in theaters Friday after a star-studded world premiere at the Hollywood Bowl earlier this week.

Thousands of fans joined cast members Tuesday night for a celebration that showcased Pacific Islander culture and transformed the iconic venue into the world of Moana.

Guests arrived on a blue carpet lined with themed photo opportunities, including a canoe display and a larger-than-life LEGO sculpture of the Polynesian heroine. The event drew fans dressed as their favorite characters, many eager to see the beloved animated story brought to life.

"I can't wait to see it live, the music, the characters," one fan said. "It's just going to be amazing."

Another fan arrived dressed as Maui, putting his own spin on the demigod made famous by Dwayne Johnson.

The evening's most memorable moment came on stage, where Johnson and actress Catherine Laga'aia performed a traditional Samoan taualuga, a sacred ceremonial dance, drawing cheers from the audience.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic accompanied a screening of the film with a live performance of its score, creating an immersive experience for attendees. The night ended with a fireworks display above the bowl.

The live-action film reimagines Disney's 2016 animated hit, bringing Moana's journey of self-discovery and wayfinding to a new generation of audiences.

For Laga'aia, taking on the role of Moana was an unexpected opportunity.

"I hope they connect with the things that they remember and the new things that we're bringing in," she said. "I hope they love this version of 'Moana' and the OG version."

At its heart, the film remains a story about culture, legacy and finding where you belong.

A decade later, family remains the heart of 'Moana'

While the adventure, music and humor remain central to the story, the live-action adaptation places renewed focus on the family relationships at its core.

For Laga'aia, the experience of making the film felt deeply familiar.

"Getting to it almost felt like I was back in my village," she said. "I think it proves that it's not the place that you're at. It's the people that you're with."

Beneath the adventure, Moana has always been a story about family.

Moana's grandmother, Tala, encourages her to trust herself and embrace her destiny. Her mother, Sina, offers unwavering support, while her father, Chief Tui, struggles to balance protecting his daughter with allowing her to follow her calling.

Frankie Adams, who portrays Sina, said the live-action format allowed filmmakers to explore the character in greater depth.

"I feel like she's so tender and observant, and I think we only saw a glimpse of that in the animation," Adams said. "It was really nice to dive deeper and humanize her in a way."

Rena Owen, who brings Gramma Tala to life, said the character's message remains one of the film's most important themes.

"The important thing for Grandma Tala, her message to Moana, is to listen to the voice inside, to listen to her heart and follow her heart," Owen said. "That's how she'll find out who she is."

Together, those family relationships provide the emotional foundation of the story and help shape the heroine audiences have come to love.

'Moana' cast shares pride in bringing Pacific Islander culture to life

Members of the cast say one of the film's most meaningful elements is the opportunity to share Pacific Islander culture on a global stage.

Before she became a wayfinder, Moana was a daughter and granddaughter supported by a close-knit family. The actors portraying those roles say bringing that dynamic to life was deeply personal.

Adams said joining the film marked a significant moment in her career.

"I think I always hoped for it," Adams said. "But I didn't get my hopes up in case it didn't happen. This is definitely a milestone."

Tongan actor John Tui portrays Chief Tui. He said the role carried a responsibility beyond simply playing a character.

"I know what Chief Tui represents and what I represent, not only to my people," Tui said. "There are not many Tongan actors out there. ... I carry so much, and I carry it proudly."

Owen said she drew inspiration from her own family while portraying Gramma Tala character.

"I drew from my own grandmother, who I love," Owen said. "As Polynesian people, we know we are not the strength of one. We are the strength of many."

That sense of family and community is woven throughout the film and reflected in the experiences of the actors themselves.

For the cast, "Moana" is more than a Disney film. It is an opportunity to celebrate and share Pacific Islander cultures with audiences around the world.

The franchise is expected to continue growing. Johnson announced that "Moana 3" is already in development.

Pacific Islanders behind 'Moana' helped shape the film's authenticity

From costumes and choreography to music and storytelling, cultural experts helped guide the production to ensure details reflected the cultures that inspired the film.

Bringing Moana into live action meant placing a renewed emphasis on authenticity.

Tongan costume designer Liz McGregor helped shape the visual identity of the film, using traditional Pacific art forms and designs to tell each character's story.

"Authenticity was key to it," McGregor said. "As tapas, as an art form, you're telling people's history, you're telling their present, you're telling their future as well."

Choreographer and associate producer Tiana Nonosina Liufau worked closely on movement and cultural expression throughout the film. She said storytelling through dance is already deeply rooted in Pacific cultures.

"We already have that innately," Liufau said. "The storytelling, the shapes, they're already there. In all honesty, press record and we do what we do."

According to filmmakers, nearly 2,900 people worked on the production.

Among them was Opetaia Foa'i, the Pacific musician and songwriter who helped create many of the original songs audiences associate with Moana.

"I've been touring the world for over 20 years telling the world about this beautiful culture," Foa'i said. "To get a call to be a songwriter for this movie, it was really a gift from the gods."

For Samoan screenwriter Dana Ledoux Miller, authenticity extended beyond costumes, music and dance. It also meant ensuring Pacific Islanders had a voice in shaping the story itself.

"We want to find one new way to make sure that we're better represented on the screen," Miller said. "Those kinds of textures can't be recreated or authenticated by anybody but us."

The result is a film shaped not only by Pacific stories, but by Pacific people who helped tell them.

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