Disney’s live-action adaptation of Moana will not feature the entire cast from the cherished animated film. This new musical adventure will continue the narrative established in the 2016 animated version and marks the third entry in the franchise. Disney plans to release Moana’s live-action remake on July 10, 2026.
It was previously announced that Dwayne Johnson has been cast in Moana’s live-action remake, where he will reprise his role as the demi-god Maui. However, Auli’i Cravalho will not be returning as Moana; instead, she will serve as an executive producer alongside Johnson.
Catherine Laga’aia will take on the role of the titular character in her film debut, joined by John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen. In a recent interview with GoldDerby, Alan Tudyk, the voice behind Heihei in the 2016 film Moana, has confirmed that he will not reprise his role in the live-action remake.
He mentioned, “Heihei will be voiced by another actor,” and noted that a female performer, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, will take on the character’s voice instead.
According to Alan Tudyk, “Everyone refers to Heihei as a chicken, despite the fact that he is a rooster. Therefore, it’s high time they brought in an actress to add a bit more ‘chick’ to the chicken.“
Tudyk expressed that there were no hard feelings, acknowledging Disney’s preference to distinguish between its animated features and their live-action versions, stating, “I do Disney animation.” Regarding the live-action role, the actor humorously remarked, “I bet the new Heihei has to do [mo-cap],” adding, “I’m a no to doing motion-capture for animals.”
What This Implies for Moana’s Live-Action Film ?
Tudyk has appeared in just one live-action remake, which was a last-minute casting for the voice of Jafar’s parrot, Iago, in the 2019 film Aladdin. As the actor himself puts it, “I do Disney animation,” so it’s understandable that the studio would seek a different voice for Heihei, aiming to maintain a distinction between the animated and live-action versions of Moana.
Dwayne Johnson stands out in Moana as he reprises his animated role. This decision seems aimed at securing a well-known name for the lead character, particularly given the actor’s current fame. In contrast, a different actress is expected to be cast as the voice of Heihei, offering a new perspective.
Our Perspective On Alan Tudyk’s Recasting
As we approach the release of Moana’s live-action remake in under a year, anticipation is building, particularly after the animated film’s recent sequel, Moana 2, which surpassed the original by grossing $1 billion globally at the Box Office.
Both Cravalho and Tudyk returned to their roles in Moana 2, which also included Johnson. Given its significant legacy within the franchise, it’s disappointing that the original cast will not be reprising their roles.
Nevertheless, this decision aligns with Disney’s goal to ensure that Moana’s remake feels distinct and innovative, especially since Alan Tudyk is so well-known for his animated character. Consequently, it will be intriguing to discover who will be chosen to portray Heihei in the live-action adaptation of Moana.