Disney has released the first trailer and poster for its highly anticipated live-action remake of Moana, offering a look at newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia as the fearless young wayfinder and Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as the trickster demigod Maui. The footage introduces audiences to the majestic island and vibrant people of Motunui, and the return of key story beats that made the 2016 animated original an Oscar-nominated global hit.
The new preview also highlights the intimidating yet adorable tribe of Kakamora, Maui’s shapeshifting abilities, and Lagaʻaia’s stirring delivery of the iconic line, “I Am Moana.” See the trailer below and read on for everything to know about Moana, arriving in theaters July 10, 2026.
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What’s the plot?
Disney’s live-action Moana follows a brave teenager (Lagaʻaia) who answers the Ocean’s call and sails beyond the reef for the first time, teaming with Maui (Johnson) on a mission to restore prosperity to her people. The remake aims to honor the heart of the original animated film while expanding its world through dramatic natural landscapes, new cinematography, and richly textured Polynesian culture.
Who’s in the cast?
In addition to Laga’aia and Johnson as Moana and Maui, the cast includes Auckland, New Zealand, native John Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealander Frankie Adams, who portrays Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen, from Bay of Islands, New Zealand, as Moana’s revered Gramma Tala.
Who’s behind the camera?
The live-action adventure is directed by Emmy and Tony winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton). The film is produced by Dwayne Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, with executive producers Thomas Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, and Auliʻi Cravalho — who was the original voice of Moana. The soundtrack will include new versions of the original songs cowritten by Miranda, including the Oscar-nominated “How Far I’ll Go.”
How is it different than the animated movie?
While Disney’s remake stays rooted in the central themes of identity, heritage, and self-discovery, the live-action format expands the scope of Moana’s world with natural environments, large-scale ocean sequences, and tactile production design.
Disney’s live-action ‘Moana’ Courtesy of Disney
It also joins Disney’s long lineage of live-action reinterpretations, from The Jungle Book and Beauty and the Beast to Aladdin, Mulan, The Little Mermaid, and more.
When will it hit theaters?
Audiences can rejoin Moana and Maui when the film arrives in U.S. theaters on July 10, 2026.
Catherina Laga’aia in ‘Moana’Courtesy of Disney
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