The daily gossip: Dwayne Johnson announces a live-action remake of Moana, HBO eyes a new Game of Thrones prequel, and more

1. Dwayne Johnson announces a live-action remake of 'Moana'

How far will Disney go for an easy $1 billion at the box office? As far as to remake films that aren't even eight years old. A live-action reimagining of the 2016 animated movie Moana is in the works at Disney. The news was revealed Monday during a Disney shareholder meeting by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who voiced Maui in the original film. Disney has been going all in on bringing its animated classics to live-action over the past decade, but this will be its first time remaking a movie that's so recent, it was released after the studio's live-action remake craze began. Auliʻi Cravalho, the voice of Moana, is producing. Johnson is also involved, and he tweeted that he's "honored to partner" with Disney to "tell our story thru the realm of music & dance, which at the core is who we are as Polynesian people." You know what that means: The hierarchy of power in the Disney universe is about to change.

The Week

2. HBO is eying another 'Game of Thrones' prequel about Aegon's Conquest

Prequels to prequels are coming. HBO is in the early stages of discussing another new Game of Thrones series, this one focused on Aegon I Targaryen's conquest of Westeros, according to Variety. The report says "there may be a feature component to the project," meaning there would potentially be a movie that leads into the series, though that's all still being worked out. In Game of Thrones lore, Aegon conquered Westeros with his sister wives about 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones and 100 years before House of the Dragon, so this would effectively be a prequel to the latter show, which itself is already a prequel. Other Thrones spinoffs reported to be in the works include shows about Jon Snow, The Sea Snake, Dunk and Egg, and more — all part of author George R.R. Martin's quest to complete every conceivable Thrones project that isn't called The Winds of Winter.

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Variety

3. ​​Barbie Ferreira reveals why she left 'Euphoria'

​​Barbie Ferreira is ready to dish on her Euphoria exit. The actress opened up on the Armchair Expert podcast about her decision to leave her role as Kat on the wildly popular HBO series, which was rumored to be due to a feud with creator Sam Levinson. "It kind of has taken on a life of its own," Ferreira said of all the gossip about alleged behind-the-scenes drama, urging fans not to "believe everything you read." For one, she denied reports that she walked off the set during the second season, clarifying that she simply left to get an X-ray when she sprained her ankle. Ferreira went on to describe her departure as a "mutual decision" because there wasn't a "place" for her character "to go," adding that she didn't want to play the "fat best friend" and that Levinson didn't seem to "relate to" Kat. So that's why Euphoria is no longer part of Barbie's world.

Armchair Expert

4. Kaley Cuoco welcomes her 1st child

The Big Bang Theory alum Kaley Cuoco had some big news to share over the weekend, as she's officially a mom. Cuoco confirmed on Instagram that she has welcomed her first child, a daughter, with partner Tom Pelphrey. "We are overjoyed and grateful for this little miracle," Cuoco wrote. "Thank you to the doctors, nurses, family and friends who have helped us immensely over the last few days. We are blessed beyond belief." She also told her partner that she "didn't think I could fall even more in love with you, but I did." Cuoco confirmed she was expecting her first child in October, and in January, she had an epic baby shower consisting of a light show that used 400 drones. Cuoco also revealed her daughter's name is Matilda Carmine Richie Pelphrey, significantly upping the chances of her developing psychic powers.

Instagram

5. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' winner Jinkx Monsoon gets a 'major role' on 'Doctor Who'

Doctor, start your engine. Jinkx Monsoon, two-time RuPaul's Drag Race winner, has joined the cast of the next series of Doctor Who. "In a galaxy of comets and supernovas, here comes the biggest star of all," showrunner Russell T Davies declared. "Jinkx Monsoon is on a collision course with the TARDIS, and Doctor Who will never be the same again!" Details about Monsoon's character weren't revealed, but the announcement said that she'll have a "major role." Monsoon was the winner of the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and also won RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' seventh season. She's also an actor and singer who recently performed on Broadway in Chicago. "I'm honoured, thrilled, and utterly excited" to join the show, Monsoon said, adding, "I hope there's room in the TARDIS for my luggage." Good luck, and don't F it up!

BBC