Disney’s 2016 animated hit Moana is making a comeback, but this time, it’s going Moana live action movie. Mark your calendars: the new adaptation sails into theaters July 10, 2026.

Dwayne Johnson is back as the larger-than-life demigod Maui, producing and starring, while fresh face Catherine Laga’aia steps into Moana’s sandals. That’s a combo I never knew I needed.

The live-action Moana sticks to the same storyline as the animated film. Moana leaves her island home and sets out to restore hope to her people, with Maui’s help (and some mischief, obviously).

Thomas Kail, the Tony-winning director who made Hamilton a phenomenon, is steering this ship. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who basically made the original soundtrack iconic, returns as producer.

The first teaser trailer dropped November 17, 2025. It’s got jaw-dropping shots of Moana’s island and our first look at Johnson’s transformation into Maui—he looks like he’s been living at the gym.

With Moana 2 smashing past $1 billion at the box office in 2024, Disney’s betting big on this one. They’re promising to keep the heart of the original while dialing up the CGI, adding real actors, and maybe even sneaking in some new scenes.

Pacific Island culture and wayfinding traditions should feel even more vivid this time. I’m honestly excited to see how they pull it off with real people and places.

Key Takeaways – Moana Live Action Movie

Catherine Laga’aia makes her debut as Moana; Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui. The film drops July 10, 2026.
Thomas Kail (Hamilton) directs, sticking to the 2016 story but giving it a fresh spin.
The teaser shows off epic visuals and Johnson’s Maui look. Anticipation? Through the roof.

Key Details and Release Information

Disney’s Moana Live Action Movie hits U.S. theaters July 10, 2026. Production kicked off in 2023, just after Moana 2’s wild box office run.

Release Date and U.S. Theatrical Plans

Moana Live Action Movie officially arrives July 10, 2026. That’s prime family movie season—Disney knows what they’re doing.

Disney revealed the date alongside the first teaser trailer in November 2025. Expect a full-blown theatrical release across the country.

They need the extra time for all those mind-blowing water effects. Summer’s always been Disney’s sweet spot for blockbusters, so this just makes sense.

Right now, theaters are the only way to see it. No word yet on when it’ll hit Disney+.

Production Status and Timeline – Moana Live Action Movie

Filming started in January 2025. Pre-production was already rolling by April 2023.

Key Production Timeline:

April 2023: Pre-production kicks off
January 2025: Cameras start rolling
November 2025: First trailer drops
July 2026: Movie hits theaters

Thomas Kail directs, taking over from the original animated duo, John Musker and Ron Clements. Kail’s resume? Hamilton, In the Heights, and other Broadway hits.

“Being around this music again, in this way, as someone who now gets to build it and not just admire it has been wonderful,” Kail told Deadline (June 2024). That’s got to feel surreal.

The crew is celebrating Pacific Islander communities and traditions, but they’re keeping filming locations under wraps. Maybe we’ll get some behind-the-scenes peeks later.

Comparison With Moana 2

Moana 2 made over $1 billion in 2024, so the bar is set high. Clearly, people can’t get enough of these stories.

The live-action version sticks with the core story, but adds new sequences and visual effects that just weren’t possible in animation.

Moana 2’s success gives Disney plenty of confidence. Industry folks are already predicting another billion-dollar run, especially with Disney’s track record.

Box Office Context:

Moana 2: $1+ billion worldwide
2025’s Lilo & Stitch remake: $1+ billion worldwide

Disney’s remake formula is working. They’re raking in billions by reimagining their animated classics, and honestly, why stop now?

Cast and Creative Team

Disney’s pulled together a killer team—Pacific Islander talent front and center, plus some Hollywood heavyweights. Catherine Laga’aia stars as Moana, and Dwayne Johnson is back as Maui, with Thomas Kail directing.

Lead Roles and Returning Stars

Catherine Laga’aia is making her big-screen debut as Moana. She’s 17, from Sydney, and brings real Pacific Islander roots to the role. “My grandfather comes from Fa’aala, Palauli, in Savai’i. My grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on Upolu in Samoa,” she shared.

She’s pumped to represent her culture: “I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.” That’s pretty awesome.

Dwayne Johnson is Maui again, but this time, he’s not just a voice—he’s on screen. He’s also producing through his Seven Bucks Productions.

Director Kail seems thrilled: “There’s no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne.” Can’t argue with that.

Supporting Cast Highlights

The supporting cast is stacked with Pacific Islander talent in Moana’s family roles:

John Tui (Auckland) as Chief Tui, Moana’s dad
Frankie Adams (Samoan-New Zealand) as Sina, Moana’s mom
Rena Owen (Bay of Islands) as Gramma Tala

Auli’i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, is now executive producer. She’s passing the torch but still steering the ship.

Kail said, “I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John through this casting process.” Sounds like he’s genuinely excited about the team.

Directors and Producers

Thomas Kail directs. You know him from Hamilton, Grease Live, and Hulu’s We Were the Lucky Ones.

The producers’ list is a who’s who:

Producers:

Dwayne Johnson (Seven Bucks Productions)
Dany Garcia (Seven Bucks Productions)
Hiram Garcia (Seven Bucks Productions)
Beau Flynn (FlynnPictureCo.)
Lin-Manuel Miranda (original songwriter)

Executive Producers:

Scott Sheldon (FlynnPictureCo.)
Auli’i Cravalho
Charles Newirth

Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller wrote the screenplay. Bush penned the original Moana; Miller, a Samoan writer, created Netflix’s Thai Cave Rescue.

Storyline and Themes

The live-action Moana keeps the heart of the 2016 original. Moana, the chief’s daughter, sets out on a risky ocean voyage to save her island.

This version leans into authentic Polynesian culture and wayfinding. And yes, the music is still a big deal—thank goodness.

Plot Overview and Ocean’s Call

Moana lives on Motunui, the daughter of Chief Tui. When the island faces threats, she listens to the ocean’s call and heads out on a wild journey.

She needs Maui’s help to restore balance. Catherine Laga’aia brings Moana to life in a way we haven’t seen before.

We’ll watch Moana grow from a sheltered girl to a bold wayfinder. She learns ancient navigation skills as she sails the Pacific.

Key story beats:

Moana’s tug-of-war between duty and her own dreams
The search for Maui and his magical fishhook
Wayfinding and ocean navigation
Themes about protecting island ecosystems

Director Thomas Kail, with his Broadway flair, should give the adventure a fresh energy. I bet he’ll make the story pop in new ways.

Polynesian Representation and Cultural Significance

Disney’s not messing around with representation this time. Casting Catherine Laga’aia, whose roots are in Samoa, shows they’re serious about authenticity.

“I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me,” Laga’aia said in the press release. That’s the kind of energy we need in Hollywood.

The movie puts Polynesian culture front and center:

Wayfinding – Ancient navigation skills
Island life – Community, village life, and customs
Spiritual beliefs – The bond between people, ocean, and nature
Art and clothing – Traditional designs and materials

Auli’i Cravalho, now executive producer, keeps the cultural authenticity locked in. She’s pushing for more Pacific Islander actors and stories, and it shows.

Visuals and Music Approach

This live-action take blends real locations with cutting-edge CGI to bring Motunui and the Pacific to life. Thomas Kail calls it “a movie that has a connection to the Earth” and “a movie that has a soul.” That’s poetic, honestly.

Lin-Manuel Miranda is back producing, keeping those unforgettable songs alive. The November 2025 teaser gave us a taste—familiar tunes, but with a new vibe and epic visuals.

Visual highlights:

Gorgeous tropical backdrops
CGI-powered ocean scenes
Practical effects for Maui’s wild shapeshifting
Classic Polynesian boat designs

Dwayne Johnson went all-in to play Maui in the flesh. “The moment I stepped on set as live-action Maui, I realized right away, ‘Oh, wow. This is different,’” he told Extra in 2024. Must’ve been a trip.

The film mixes practical movie magic and digital wizardry. The goal? Make the magical feel real, but keep it rooted in the islands.

What to Expect From the Live-Action Adaptation

Disney’s live-action Moana isn’t reinventing the wheel, but it’s adding new layers—real actors, bigger visuals, and maybe a few surprises. With Moana 2 clearing $1 billion, everyone’s expecting this one to make waves too. I’d be shocked if it didn’t.

Comparison to the Animated Original

The live-action Moana is set to stick pretty close to the 2016 animated film’s story and structure. Disney’s banking on the same formula that worked for its earlier remakes—don’t mess with the core plot if it ain’t broke.

Key similarities include:

Moana’s journey to find the demigod Maui
The wayfinding theme and ocean adventure
Musical numbers from the original soundtrack
The setting of Motunui island

The big shift? Real actors replace animation. Catherine Laga’aia steps in as Moana, taking over from Auli’i Cravalho, who’s still on board as executive producer.

Dwayne Johnson’s back as Maui, but this time he’s flexing in person instead of just voice acting. “The moment I stepped on set as live-action Maui, I realized right away, ‘Oh, wow. This is different, in terms of, this is real flesh and blood,’” Johnson said. That’s gotta be a trip, right?

Director Thomas Kail, with Broadway hits like Hamilton and In the Heights under his belt, brings a theatrical flair. I’m guessing the musical numbers will get some extra love this time around.

Anticipated Audience Reception

Expectations are sky-high. Disney’s last few live-action flicks were huge, and Moana 2 just crossed the $1 billion mark globally—people clearly can’t get enough of this world.

Live-action remakes from Disney have had mixed box office luck, but musicals seem to land better. The original Moana pulled in $645 million worldwide, which is nothing to sneeze at.

Why this one might crush it:

Proven story that already clicks with fans
Dwayne Johnson’s star power
Pacific Islander casting for real cultural vibes
Beloved songs everyone already knows

Casting Catherine Laga’aia, who’s got Samoan roots, feels like a smart move for authenticity. “I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples,” Laga’aia said.

Parents probably won’t hesitate to bring the kids. The original became a household staple, and honestly, this one could do the same.

Future Possibilities and Franchise Growth

This live-action Moana is Disney’s latest play to stretch a hit franchise across every format possible. The July 10, 2026 release date screams “summer blockbuster.”

Where could it go from here?

More live-action sequels if this one blows up
Maybe even a Broadway musical version
Theme park expansions (imagine the rides!)
New waves of merch and licensing

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s producing, so the music’s in good hands. With his Broadway chops, a stage version doesn’t sound far-fetched at all.

Moana 2’s massive success proves people want more from this universe. If the live-action film hits big, Disney might stick to theatrical releases instead of going straight to streaming.

They’re clearly thinking long-term. Authentic casting and seasoned filmmakers show Disney sees Moana as a franchise anchor, one that’ll rake in revenue across platforms for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

The live-action Moana brings together Pacific Islander talent and a fresh take on the story for its July 10, 2026 release. 17-year-old Catherine Laga’aia stars as Moana, and Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui. Not too shabby for a cast, right?

What can audiences expect from the storytelling and visual style in the ‘Moana’ live-action adaptation?

This movie promises a visual treat, aiming to capture the original’s magic in a whole new way. Director Thomas Kail, who helmed Hamilton both on Broadway and Disney+, is steering the ship.

Co-writer Dana Ledoux Miller says the live-action version will feel “fresh” even though it’s a remake. The film wants to celebrate Pacific Islander islands, communities, and traditions in a big, adventurous way.

Shooting kicks off summer 2025, and they’re planning to film in real oceanic environments. The story follows a young woman determined to chart her own course while honoring her roots.

Who has been cast in the lead roles for the live-action version of ‘Moana’, and what are their backgrounds?

Catherine Laga’aia, a 17-year-old from Sydney, Australia, takes on Moana. Her family ties run deep—her grandfather’s from Fa’aala, Palauli, Savai’i, and her grandmother’s from Leulumoega Tuai, ‘Upolu, Samoa.

Dwayne Johnson’s back as Maui, bringing the same energy he did in 2016. He’s also producing through his own company, Seven Bucks Productions.

John Tui from Auckland, New Zealand, plays Chief Tui, Moana’s dad. Frankie Adams, a Samoan-New Zealand actress, steps in as Sina, Moana’s mom.

Rena Owen, hailing from Bay of Islands, New Zealand, plays Gramma Tala. The casting is all about real Pacific Islander representation, and honestly, it shows.

When is the live-action ‘Moana’ scheduled for release, and will it follow a traditional or streaming premiere?

Moana’s live-action adventure lands in theaters July 10, 2026. Disney’s skipping streaming for this one—it’s a full-on theatrical release.

Production starts summer 2025, so they’ve got about a year to bring it all together. That July slot is prime blockbuster territory.

Funny enough, Moana’s one of Disney’s newest animated movies to get a live-action redo. Most of the others have been classics from way back.

How does the live-action ‘Moana’ intend to address cultural authenticity and representation?

Catherine Laga’aia said she’s honored to represent girls who look like her and to celebrate Samoa and Pacific Island cultures. The team made a point to cast actors with genuine Pacific Islander heritage.

Co-writer Dana Ledoux Miller—a Samoan writer and co-founder of the Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK)—brings serious cred. She also created Netflix’s “Thai Cave Rescue.”

Auli’i Cravalho, the original Moana, is now executive producer. Her presence helps keep the cultural heart of the story intact.

Pacific Islander voices are woven throughout the creative team. This isn’t just surface-level representation; it’s baked into the storytelling.

Are there any significant plot or character changes anticipated for the ‘Moana’ live-action movie compared to the animated film?

The live-action movie sticks with the core story: a young woman on a gutsy quest to save her people. Moana, Maui, and her family are all in the mix.

Jared Bush, who wrote the 2016 screenplay, is back as co-writer alongside Dana Ledoux Miller. That continuity hints the plot won’t stray far from the original.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who penned the original songs, is producing this time. You can bet the music will still be front and center.

Director Thomas Kail joked, “there’s no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne—actually, trio: Heihei is ready, too.” So yes, Heihei the rooster is coming along for the ride.

What themes and messages from the original ‘Moana’ film will the live-action adaptation emphasize or introduce?

The live-action version dives right into themes of self-discovery and cultural identity. Here, Moana’s journey feels even more personal as she tries to carve out her own future while staying true to her roots.

Family dynamics? They’re front and center. With Chief Tui, Sina, and Gramma Tala all making a comeback, the film really leans into the importance of those cross-generational bonds.

Pacific Islander communities and traditions get a spotlight, and not just as background. The adventure is big, bold, and honestly, it’s a celebration of cultural pride and environmental responsibility.

The ocean’s still a character in its own right—sometimes a friend, sometimes a force to be reckoned with. The live-action visuals promise to show off the ocean’s raw power and beauty like never before.

Moana Live Action Movie: Coming 2026