Disney has finally released the first official trailer for its highly anticipated live-action remake of Moana, offering a stunning glimpse of the beloved Polynesian tale brought to life. The minute-long teaser showcases newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his iconic role as the demigod Maui.
Set to the familiar line, “I am a girl who loves my island… and the girl who loves the sea,” the teaser reintroduces audiences to Motunui and Moana’s destiny as she returns to the ocean for a courageous journey beyond the reef.
🌊 A New Moana for a New Generation
Directed by Hamilton Tony Award winner Thomas Kail, the film marks the big-screen debut of Catherine Lagaʻaia, who plays the fearless navigator Moana.
Lagaʻaia shared her excitement, saying:
“I’m honored to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
Joining her is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, back as Maui — a role inspired by his late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia. Johnson previously announced the project in 2023, calling it “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui” and pay tribute to Polynesian culture.
🛶 The Story: A Journey Beyond the Reef
The live-action film follows the core story of the 2016 animated hit:
Moana, chosen by the ocean itself, teams up with Maui and sails beyond her island of Motunui to restore prosperity and harmony to her people.
The film also introduces the mischievous Kakamora tribe in their first live-action adaptation.
👥 Cast & Characters
Disney has confirmed the following cast:
- Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana
- Dwayne Johnson as Maui
- John Tui as Chief Tui (Moana’s father)
- Frankie Adams as Sina (Moana’s mother)
- Rena Owen as Gramma Tala
Notably, Auliʻi Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, will not return on-screen. Instead, she serves as an executive producer to help authentically cast and develop the film.
Cravalho explained:
“I believe it’s vital to cast someone who truly represents the Pacific Island cultures we want to honor.”
🎬 Behind the Scenes
The live-action Moana is backed by some major creative talent:
Producers:
- Dwayne Johnson
- Beau Flynn
- Dany Garcia
- Hiram Garcia
- Lin-Manuel Miranda
Executive Producers:
- Thomas Kail
- Scott Sheldon
- Charles Newirth
- Auliʻi Cravalho
Screenplay:
- Jared Bush (writer of the original Moana)
- Dana Ledoux Miller (Samoan heritage, co-creator of Thai Cave Rescue)
🎥 Is There a Trailer?
Yes. Disney released the first teaser trailer in November 2025, giving fans a look at:
- Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana
- Maui’s iconic hook
- Stunning island visuals
- The Kakamora
- Moana’s emotional call from the sea
📅 Release Date
Moana (Live-Action) will hit theaters July 10, 2026.
