Live-Action Moana Movie Confirmed: Release Date, Cast & Trailer Details
Yes, Disney is officially releasing a live-action Moana on July 10, 2026, starring Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui.
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🌺 Disney’s Live-Action Moana Is Coming in 2026 — Here’s What We Know
Disney continues its wave of live-action remakes with one of its most beloved modern classics: Moana. First released in 2016, the animated film captured hearts worldwide with its empowering heroine, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable soundtrack. Now, nearly a decade later, Moana’s story is being reimagined in live-action, set to hit theaters on July 10, 2026.
🧭 Cast & Cultural Significance
Leading the cast is Catherine Laga’aia, a rising star of Samoan descent, who brings authentic representation to the role of Moana. At just 17 when cast, Laga’aia expressed deep pride in portraying a character that celebrates her heritage and empowers young Pacific Island girls.
Joining her is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, returning as the larger-than-life demigod Maui, a role he voiced in the original film. Johnson is also producing the film, ensuring the spirit of the original is preserved while embracing the possibilities of live-action storytelling.
🎬 First Look & Visual Style
A teaser trailer released in November 2025 gave fans a glimpse of the film’s lush visuals and emotional tone. It opens with Laga’aia singing “How Far I’ll Go,” followed by sweeping shots of island landscapes, oceanic magic, and a dramatic dive by Maui. The cinematography promises a vibrant celebration of Polynesian culture, nature, and myth.
🔍 Why This Remake Matters
Disney’s live-action Moana follows the success of other remakes like The Little Mermaid (2023) and Lilo & Stitch (2025), both of which sparked conversations about representation and nostalgia. With Moana, the studio is not only revisiting a fan-favorite but also doubling down on its commitment to showcasing diverse cultures on the global stage.
In Disney’s live-action adaptation of the beloved Oscar®-nominated animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people. The film is directed by Emmy® and Tony Award® winner Thomas Kail (“Hamilton”); produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia and Lin-Manuel Miranda; and executive produced by Thomas Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth and Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated features “Moana” and “Moana 2.” Audiences can experience the brilliant cinematic sights, sounds and songs of Moana movie in U.S. theaters on July 10, 2026.
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