The live-action Moana film nearly included an AI deepfake of Dwayne Johnson, which the actor himself signed off on. Launched in 2016, the animated authentic Moana grew to become a large success, particularly on Disney+ within the years after its theatrical bow.
A brand new report from The Wall Avenue Journal now sheds some gentle on the live-action Moana’s manufacturing, revealing that Disney had plans to collaborate with Metaphysic to create deepfakes of Johnson’s face. This deepfake would then be layered on prime of a efficiency by Tanoai Reed, Johnson’s equally sized cousin.
The deepfake would solely have been utilized in a “small number” of photographs, and it might have allowed Johnson to not be current on set on daily basis. Regardless of the actor’s approval of the thought – and 18 months of labor and contract negotiations between Metaphysic and Disney – the plan was finally scrapped resulting from authorized issues.
Dwayne Johnson’s AI Deepfake Cancellation Defined
To be clear, it is commonplace for films to function digital doubles of actors. This can be a frequent observe for stunts, for instance, the place an actor’s face will probably be digitally imposed onto a stunt double. The inclusion of AI within the course of, nonetheless, sophisticated issues for Moana.
The WSJ report goes into extra depth concerning the choice to maneuver away from this plan, with issues from Disney’s authorized division being a key issue. There was stated to be apprehension about how this Johnson deepfake might be used sooner or later and the way it might be protected. Each of these issues additionally got here up through the SAG-AFTRA strike negotiations in 2023.
An attention-grabbing addition to those issues, nonetheless, is Disney’s worry over possession. Who really owns AI-generated materials stays legally one thing of a grey space, and the corporate was stated to be uncomfortable with the thought of not having the ability to declare possession over each factor of the live-action Moana.
The issues outlined above will not be simply dealing with Moana and Disney, however all of Hollywood. AI expertise is progressing extraordinarily quickly, however there is no complete authorized framework in place to manipulate how it may be carried out into Hollywood productions.
AI uncertainty additionally performed a job in a key artistic choice with Disney’s upcoming Tron: Ares, in line with the WSJ report. It is stated that there was speak of incorporating generative AI into an AI character named Bit, which may have served as a buzzy piece of selling. Disney scrapped this concept through the SAG-AFTRA strike out of worry of backlash.
What This Means For Moana
When Moana hits theaters subsequent 12 months, there’ll seemingly be no AI deepfakes included within the ultimate lower. Plans could have fallen aside this time, however AI expertise is not going wherever, and it’s poised to play a bigger function within the movie-making course of within the years forward.
Although sturdy guidelines and rules will not be but in place concerning the usage of AI in movie, that is positive to vary. It is not but clear how AI use will affect Hollywood, however it’s going to evidently be essential to make sure the expertise is used responsibly.
Supply: The Wall Avenue Journal
Moana
Launch Date
July 10, 2026
Director
Thomas Kail
Writers
Ron Clements, John Musker, Chris Williams, Don Corridor, Pamela Ribon, Aaron Kandell, Jordan Kandell, Jared Bush, Dana Ledoux Miller
