As ‘Moana 2’ Hits Disney+, Co-Director Dana Ledoux Miller Discusses Turning a Planned Streaming Series Into an Animated Smash — and Why the Live-Action Film Will Feel ‘Fresh’

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As a child, Dana Ledoux Miller frequently accompanied her mother and brother to afternoon screenings of movies such as “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Post-movie, she would tire her cassette player by repeatedly playing and crooning along with the soundtracks for these beloved animated films, fantasizing that she was Belle, Jasmine, Ariel, or other enchanting Disney heroines.

“It made me want to tell stories,” Miller says.

However, she never imagined she’d have the opportunity to significantly influence one of those beloved Disney heroines, yet that’s exactly what happened when she served as co-writer and co-director for “Moana 2”, a major hit in 2024. This sequel, jointly directed by Jason Hand and David Derrick Jr., is now being released on Disney+ this week after grossing over $1 billion at the worldwide box office. Initially, Miller wasn’t expecting to be involved in this venture, especially not with cinemas as the primary platform. She was initially brought on board as a consulting writer when “Moana 2” was still envisioned as a multi-episode series for streaming rather than a full-length film. The success of the original film among Disney+ subscribers prompted the company to reconsider their plans for the franchise, leading to a rush to adapt the story just before production began.

Miller mentioned that there was a significant need for adjustments. He explained that they needed to scale down the story’s scope to better align with it. Originally, the series focused extensively on the ship’s crew, but since Moana’s name is the title character, the film had to reflect this focus. Consequently, they purposefully utilized the crew members to depict Moana’s growth as a leader.

In the 2016 film release of “Moana,” Samoan individual, Miller, deeply resonated with the character – a determined daughter of a Polynesian leader who shares his Pacific Islander roots.

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Miller, being of Samoan descent, strongly identified with the heroine in the 2016 film “Moana,” who is a courageous chief’s daughter from the Polynesian islands just like him.

She recalls, ‘I cried,’ she said. ‘Never before had I entered a Regal Cinema and heard the voices of my fellow people echo within. To witness one of them as a Disney princess was transformative. It signifies, ‘It’s acceptable to be Polynesian and strong and adventurous and funny.’ Seeing yourself mirrored on the screen holds immense power.

Miller hailed from Long Beach, California, yet Hollywood seemed like a distant dreamland to her. She aspired to enroll in film schools, however, she wasn’t accepted into some of the more renowned courses. Instead, she opted for the University of Hawaii, little did she know that the glamour of the entertainment industry would come knocking at her doorstep. Miraculously, she landed an internship on the set of “Lost,” the thought-provoking ABC series that was being filmed in the state.

She recalls being surrounded by various Pacific Islanders while working, which sparked her understanding of the diverse talents essential for storytelling. It also showed her the immense effort a crew puts into making a production successful. Working on such a set was a remarkable and rapid learning experience for her.

Previously working on Netflix series like “Narcos” and “Thai Cave Rescue”, Miller eventually received a call from Disney to venture into the realm of Motunui. Now established in the entertainment industry, she’s actively constructing a pathway for underrepresented talents to follow suit. She co-founded an organization named Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK), which provides networking and professional development resources for members within the community.

Miller emphasizes that for us to recognize ourselves in the scenes on the screen, we must contribute to shaping these narratives. Storytelling holds significant value within our community, and I aim to preserve this tradition while continuing to discover the essence of being a Pacific Islander.

Additionally, she’s not finished mapping out the journey for the daring heroine who is central to the “Moana” series. Miller has collaborated with Jared Bush on writing the script for the live-action adaptation of “Moana.” Thomas Kail, a key figure behind “Hamilton,” is directing this project, with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui, the legendary character he previously voiced in the animated movies. Catherine Lagaʻaia, a newcomer, will portray Moana. Miller speaks highly of her, stating, “She’s amazing! She held her own against Dwayne and wasn’t in the least bit intimidated.

According to Miller, the upcoming live-action film aims to preserve the storied heritage of its animated predecessor. She believes that having real actors face the elements will add an extra layer of intensity and emotional depth to this new adaptation.

Miller mentions a 16-year-old girl braving a perilous voyage on open water. The raw intensity of this scene is more impactful in real-life footage, lending an authentic human fragility to the movie, ensuring a sense of novelty.

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2025-03-12 17:17