Disney has found the filmmaker that will craft its live-action adaptation of Moana. Thomas Kail has reportedly been tapped to lead the highly-anticipated film starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Maui. Johnson is also set to executive produce the Kail-directed picture alongside Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia of Seven Bucks Production. Beau Flynn of Flynn Picture Co. will also earn a producing credit.
Thomas Kail is best known for directing the award-winning Broadway production of Hamilton. He has also directed Broadway productions of In The Heights, Sweeney Todd and Magic/Bird. Within film and television, he has spearheaded episodes of 2 Broke Girls and The Jack and Triumph Show. He has also directed filmed productions of Hamilton and Grease. Moving forward, he is listed as the director of Fiddler on the Roof and Silver Wings.
Alongside Kali, Jared Bush will serve as the lead scribe. The Maryland native has contributed to a number of popular films, including Zootopia, Frozen II and Encanto. Not to mention, he wrote the screenplay for the animated edition of Moana in 2016.
