Disney has released the first trailer for its live-action reimagining of “Moana,” which offers audiences a sweeping look at Catherine Lagaʻaia taking on the role of the title character.
Here’s five things to know about the film and trailer.
What will the live-action ‘Moana’ film be like?
The teaser echoes the animated film’s opening, with a young Moana drawn to the sea before embarking on her destiny.
When will live-action ‘Moana’ debut in theaters?
The film, directed by Tony Award winner Thomas Kail, will debut in theaters July 10, 2026. Dwayne Johnson will continue his role as Maui, the shape-shifting demigod who aids Moana on her journey. The trailer also highlights the island of Motunui, the Kakamora tribe and the anthem “I Am Moana,” sung by Lagaʻaia.
Who is Catherine Lagaʻaia, the teen playing Moana?
Lagaʻaia, a 17-year-old newcomer from Sydney, has Samoan heritage and said she’s happy to represent Pacific Island cultures in the movie.
“I’m honored to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples and to represent young girls who look like me,” she said in a statement.
Who else is in the ‘Moana’ cast?
The cast includes John Tui as Chief Tui, Moana’s father; Frankie Adams as Sina, her mother; and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.
What Disney is hoping to do with the live-action ‘Moana’ release
The live-action remake arrives nearly a decade after the animated original, which grossed more than $643 million worldwide and became a cultural touchstone. With Johnson returning and Lagaʻaia stepping into the spotlight, the studio hopes to introduce the story to a new generation.
“I kept asking myself, ‘Who asked for all these live-action Disney remakes?” lamented cleveland.com’s resident pop culture expert Joey Morona. “But then I watched the live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and learned to reserve judgment until I see the thing.”
Read the original article on cleveland.com.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com ’
