Disney has released the first trailer for its live-action Moana remake, giving audiences a full glimpse of Dwayne Johnson as the demigod Maui. Johnson, who originally voiced the character in the 2016 animated hit, reprises his role in this new adaptation that brings the island of Motunui to life on screen.
New faces join the cast
Catherine Laga’aia steps into the lead role of Moana, while Auli’i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, serves as an executive producer alongside director Thomas Kail. Other key cast members include John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. The screenplay is co-written by Dana Ledoux Miller and Jared Bush, who penned the script for the original film.
Music and production highlights
Fans can expect familiar music, with Mark Mancina returning to score the live-action adaptation alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda and Opetaia Foa’i. Producers include Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Miranda, continuing the collaborative spirit that defined the original film.
Anticipating moana’s theatrical return
The 2016 animated Moana was both a critical and commercial success, grossing $643 million worldwide and earning an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, with Miranda’s song “How Far I’ll Go” also nominated. The live-action version is set to premiere in theaters on July 10, 2026, promising to bring the beloved story and characters to a new generation of audiences.
Source: Variety
