Disney: writer hired for live action Winnie the Pooh, Dwayne Johnson joins ‘Moana’
photo Alyson Jones
Disney isn’t going to rest on any of their properties after finding success with live-aciton film adaptations (Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland) and Winnie the Pooh, Dumbo and Mulan appear to be next. In other Disney news, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has signed on for their animated feature titled Moana.
Deadline broke the news that Disney has moved ahead with a writer for a Pooh film, hiring writer and director of the Sundance indie film Listen Up Philip.
“The focus will be Christopher Robin as an adult, which brings him back to A.A. Milne’s famous bear and the Hundred Acre Wood,” their report states.
Johnson is now officially on board to voice Maui in the upcoming animated film, and he also shared another exciting bit of news on his Instagram post:
At DISNEY STUDIOS signing contracts to play the male lead in their next big classic animated musical, #MOANA. Just had an amazing 2hr presentation and it’s easy to see why they’re the greatest story tellers in the world. Im excited. And in the background my homies Fred & Wasabi from #BigHERO6 are jumpin’ for joy joy cause they heard I’m gonna sing in the movie. #WeTrulyKnowWhereWereGoing#WhenWeUnderstandWhereWereFrom #NeverForgetHome #MOANA
Moana is a comedy-adventure revolves around a spirited teenager and born navigator who teams up with the legendary demi-god Maui and sets out to fulfill her ancestors’ quest.
Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid), Moana opens November 23, 2016. Here’s the official synopsis:
In the ancient South Pacific world of Oceania, Moana, a born navigator, sets sail in search of a fabled island. During her incredible journey, she teams up with her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui, to traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and ancient folklore.
No real timeline on Winnie the Pooh, but expect a full slate of films from the House of Mouse.
First look at “Moana”
