Disney has officially unveiled a fresh trailer for its upcoming live action adaptation of Moana, offering fans a first detailed look at the reimagined adventure set to hit cinemas in 2026.
The film introduces rising talent Catherine Lagaʻaia in the lead role as Moana, the determined wayfinder, while Dwayne Johnson returns to portray the charismatic demigod Maui in a live action form. His appearance in the trailer has already generated excitement, with fans noticing his signature long hair reflecting the animated character’s iconic look.
Viewers familiar with the original story will recognize several memorable scenes brought to life in a new format. The trailer highlights Moana’s journey across the ocean, her evolving partnership with Maui and encounters with well known characters including the shiny object loving crab and the fiery force Te Kā. Classic musical elements also return, with beloved tracks like I Am Moana making an appearance.
The supporting cast features John Tui as Chief Tui, Moana’s father, Frankie Adams as her mother Sina and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, adding depth to the family driven storyline.
Disney has described the project as a reimagined version of the original Oscar nominated film rather than a direct remake. The movie is directed by Thomas Kail, known for his work on Hamilton, and is backed by a strong production team including Dwayne Johnson Lin Manuel Miranda and other key collaborators from the original project.
Music continues to play a central role in the film, with contributions from Lin Manuel Miranda Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina, alongside an original score composed by Mancina.
The live action Moana is scheduled for theatrical release on July 10 2026 and is expected to draw global attention as one of Disney’s biggest releases of the year.
