'Moana' records 18% reservation rate, Disney live-action hits big

Casting with 32,000 to 1 Competition Rate and Ranking 1st in Reservation Rate

Disney's live-action film 'Moana' is drawing audiences even before its release. As of 7:00 AM on the 7th, according to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network, 'Moana' recorded an 18% reservation rate (44,877 tickets), ranking first in reservation rates not only among films released at the same time but also among all foreign films. This performance surpasses its competitor, 'Toy Story 5'.

This work is a live-action adaptation of the animated film 'Moana', which was released in 2016 and caused a global syndrome. Rookie Catherine Lagai'a was selected for the role of the protagonist, Moana, after overcoming a competition rate of 32,000 to 1. Lagai'a is of Samoan descent from Polynesia, the setting of the film. This distinguishes it from previous Disney live-action films in that the casting maintains the identity of the original work.

In a media interview, Catherine Lagai'a stated, "Because I grew up watching the character Moana since I was a child, I was able to become someone who can share her boldness, courage, and curiosity."

Dwayne Johnson, who provided the voice for Maui in the animation, will personally appear as Maui in this live-action film. Audiences can enjoy the film in various special theaters, including regular theaters, IMAX, 4DX, SCREENX, and Dolby Cinema. The journey of Moana, the girl chosen by the sea, as she sets out into the unknown ocean with the legendary hero Maui to save a cursed island, is set for a worldwide release on the 8th.

Disney's Live-Action Moves: The Key is Reproducing the Original

Disney's live-action moves have recently shown a classic pattern. 'The Little Mermaid' (2023) drew 640,000 domestic viewers, and 'Snow White' (2025) drew only 190,000, experiencing box office slumps during the casting and adaptation processes. The task of moving mega IPs into live-action has become a challenging task.

At the 'Beginning of the Voyage' preview held on the 2nd, audiences first encountered footage. Attendees at the preview shared their reactions to Catherine Lagai'a's character synchronization, visual effects, and music. Mentions of watching in special theaters are continuing, centered around social media.

Film critic Jung Ji-wook analyzed, "In the realm of expression, it is by no means easy for a live-action film to surpass the unique fantasy and impact of an animation." However, he noted the organic connection with the original work. He analyzed that there is a chance of success if continuity with the original is secured, as Dwayne Johnson, who did the voice acting in the existing animation, appears in person, and a rookie of actual Samoan descent takes on the role of Moana.

Production Background and Director Information

This live-action film was produced based on the animated film of the same name released in 2016. Thomas Kail, who gained recognition for directing 'Hamilton' and 'In the Heights' on Broadway, took the helm. At the 'Beginning of the Voyage' preview held on the 2nd, character synchronization, visual effects, and music were discussed as major topics.