By Grace Krane

Disney continues their trend of remaking their past animated movies into live action hits when none other than Maui himself, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, announced Moana: Live Action will come to theaters this fall. 

The announcement of the live action Moana comes one month before the set release date for Disney’s latest live action makeover movie, Little Mermaid. 

Excitement for Disney’s new live action movies ranges from young kids, teenagers who were kids when the animated versions of the movies came out, and even some adults interested in seeing how Disney will combine their magical special effects with a real cast. 

“I am excited to see the magical special effects!” said Bellbrook High school senior Alyx Viernes. 

Moana enthusiast and senior Emma Forshee remembers seeing the animated version of Moana for the first time as a student in sixth grade. “Moana is amazing and I can’t wait to see the live action version, for-realsies!” Forshee said.

As returning actor Dwayne Johnson explained in the movie’s official trailer, the live action version will exceed expectations from the past version of Moana. The live action version has a much larger budget full of expert special effects artists, experienced surprise actors, and of course, a specialized soundtrack based on the original animated version according to The Mary Sue. 

With the release date in sight, many Bellbrook High school students responded with excitement as they reminisced on how they felt the first time they watched Moana as kids. “No way! I’d go watch that! I love Moana,” senior Acey Faulkner said. “I can’t wait to go see it over Thanksgiving break when it comes out!” senior Samantha Goodwin said.