The ocean calls to adventure once more as Disney releases the first trailer for the Moana live-action film. This new version of the 2016 hit features Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson back as the demigod Maui. Newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia stars as the brave daughter of a Polynesian chieftain. The trailer shows iconic scenes recreated with stunning, realistic visuals. It also features a snippet of the famous song “How Far I’ll Go.”
Bringing the Spirit of Motunui to Life
The story follows a young girl who must return the heart of Te Fiti to save her people. She sets off to find Maui, the shape-shifting demigod who originally lost the heart. Directed by Thomas Kail, the Moana live-action movie brings a fresh perspective to this beloved tale. The duo faces massive monsters like the giant crab Tamatoa and the volcanic demon Te Kā. Both creatures look incredible in high definition within the new footage.
Key Production Details and Cast
The film features a mix of returning creative powerhouses and fresh faces to ensure the spirit of the original remains intact.
| Role | Talent |
| Director | Thomas Kail |
| Producers | Dwayne Johnson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Dany Garcia |
| Moana | Catherine Lagaʻaia |
| Maui | Dwayne Johnson |
| Chief Tui | John Tui |
| Sina | Frankie Adams |
| Gramma Tala | Rena Owen |
A Massive Summer for Disney Fans
This film is part of a major wave of family releases from Disney this year. It follows the animal adventure Hoppers and the fifth Toy Story movie. The studio has also announced future projects for Frozen and The Incredibles. Fans can expect the theatrical release of this island adventure on July 10, 2026. The production combines nostalgic music with a modern cinematic feel. It marks a decade since the original animated version first captured hearts worldwide.
Lin-Manuel Miranda returns as a producer and songwriter for this project. His involvement ensures the musical soul of the story remains strong. As the release date nears, excitement continues to build for this tropical journey.
