Disney Sets Sail With First Look at Live-Action ‘Moana’
Published on 11/17/25 by Craig Smith
Today, Walt Disney Company unveiled the first trailer and poster for its highly anticipated live-action remake of the 2016 animated hit Moana, offering audiences the first taste of this bold re-imagining. The film stars Catherine Lagaʻaia in the title role of Moana and sees Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as the demigod Maui.
Set to premiere in theaters on July 10, 2026, the trailer opens with sweeping footage of the island of Motunui, vibrant Pacific-Island scenery, and Moana hearing the call of the ocean. In a striking moment, Lagaʻaia performs the signature song “I Am Moana,” setting the tone for the film’s emotional heart. Johnson’s Maui appears at the close of the clip wielding his magical hook in commanding fashion.
Directed by Thomas Kail (the creative mind behind Hamilton), the film attaches a screenplay by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, and boasts producers including Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia and music icon Lin‑Manuel Miranda. The project remains deeply anchored in its Polynesian roots, promising to honor the traditions and heritage of the region while bringing new energy to a beloved story.
Fans of the original will note familiar beats – the call of the sea, the ocean’s will, the journey beyond the reef – all refreshed through live-action visuals and a new cast dynamic. While the stakes remain the same, this version promises new texture and depth in its portrayal. With the trailer now making waves, anticipation is high for the next chapter of this island-adventure saga.
- News Topic: Disney Movie News
- Disney Character(s) in this Article: Heihei the Rooster (Moana), Maui (Moana), Moana Waialiki, Pua (Moana), Tala (Moana), Tamatoa (Moana), Te Fiti (Moana), Tui (Moana)
- Movie(s) in this article: Moana (Live-Action)
