The waves are rising once again as Disney launches a new chapter in the saga of "Moana," this time with a live-action reimagining that’s already making headlines and stirring excitement across the globe. On March 23, 2026, Disney released the much-anticipated trailer for the live-action adaptation, starring Catherine Lagaʻaia as the intrepid Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his beloved role as Maui, the larger-than-life demigod. With its official theatrical release set for July 10, 2026, the film promises to bring a fresh yet faithful take on the modern classic that first captured hearts in 2016.
From the very first moments of the trailer, viewers are swept into a world both familiar and brimming with new energy. The opening scene features Moana gazing beyond the reef of her home island, Motunui, her spirit restless and yearning for something more. This longing is met by the wise words of her grandmother, Gramma Tala (played by Rena Owen), who sets the stakes with a warning: "Beyond our reef, an evil darkness has found us. Moana, the ocean chose you. Find Maui, restore the heart of Te Fiti, and save us all," according to ABC News.
It’s not long before Dwayne Johnson’s Maui bursts onto the screen, his presence as magnetic as ever. Johnson, who originally voiced Maui in both the 2016 animated film and its 2024 sequel, doesn’t just bring the demigod to life—he transforms into him. The trailer showcases Maui’s iconic entrance, complete with a booming "chee-hoo," followed by a jaw-dropping transformation into a whale. The chemistry between Moana and Maui is palpable, echoing the animated original yet gaining new depth through live-action performances. In a memorable exchange, Moana introduces Maui as "Demigod of the wind and sea," only to be interrupted as he cheekily corrects her: "Hero of men. Ah! Women, women too. Men and women!"
The journey that unfolds is nothing short of epic. The trailer teases sweeping voyages across the open ocean, whales breaching the sunlit waves, and the mystical Cave of the Ancestors. Familiar faces from the animated film make their live-action debut, including the mischievous Kakamora, the ever-clueless rooster Heihei, and the "shiny" giant crab Tamatoa, whose glittering hoard of treasures glimmers on screen. There’s even a glimpse of the treacherous Realm of Monsters and a terrifying peek at the lava demon Te Kā, raising the stakes for Moana’s quest to save her island and her people.
Yet, this reimagining isn’t just about spectacle—it’s about honoring and deepening the cultural roots that made "Moana" a phenomenon. Director Thomas Kail, known for his work on "Hamilton" and "In the Heights," brings a theatrical sensibility to the production, treating it as a full-fledged musical and a celebration of Polynesian culture. As Kail told Entertainment Weekly, "The opportunity to have flesh and blood and have human beings tell the story and sing these songs and be in this world, there’s something so fundamentally different about that experience of watching and feeling that."
The creative team has gone to great lengths to ensure authenticity at every turn. Tiana Nonosina Liufau collaborated on choreography, while Liz McGregor designed costumes that reflect the rich traditions of the South Pacific. The film’s musical backbone remains intact, with original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina returning to anchor the story’s emotional beats. Notably, Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original and its sequel, serves as an executive producer, helping steer the project and preserve its spirit.
Behind the scenes, the transformation of Dwayne Johnson into Maui was a feat unto itself. Johnson donned approximately 40 pounds of prosthetics, including a custom bodysuit and a wig that, when wet, added another seven pounds. "It was grueling because of the suit and how hot it was," Johnson told Entertainment Weekly. "There’s a freedom when you perform, whether it’s as an actor or singing. So that was an adjustment on how to actually work my emotions through the 40 pounds of prosthetics and hair and body that I had on me." The process took roughly two and a half hours each day, with teams of makeup artists and stylists ensuring every detail—from Maui’s flowing hair to his legendary tattoos—was perfect.
This commitment to realism wasn’t just about aesthetics. The team, led by Oscar-winning makeup designer Joel Harlow, opted for tactile, physical costumes over digital effects to create a more authentic and emotionally resonant Maui. As Johnson explained, "There’s also a tactile, emotional resonance when it’s a real bodysuit. It moves and breathes with you. So we thought the best iteration of this was, let’s go for it, let’s challenge Joel, and he rose to the occasion."
The cultural significance of the project runs deep for Johnson, whose Samoan heritage and family legacy in wrestling and entertainment are closely tied to the themes of "Moana." Reflecting on his grandfather, "High Chief" Peter Maivia, and his father, Rocky "Soulman" Johnson, Johnson spoke of the pride and responsibility he feels bringing Polynesian stories to a global audience. "You realize that you’re representing cultures and people who came before you who were voyagers, they were warriors, they were slaves, in many cases they had the language taken away, in many cases had their land stolen but got it back, persevered," he said. "And through all that, there’s still an inherent love and joy of Polynesian culture with Polynesian people. There’s still this pride and joy and this idea of community and culture and sharing, as opposed to gatekeeping. We all share in this. We all share it together. So you feel that responsibility, and it does hit differently."
The cast is rounded out by John Tui as Chief Tui, Moana’s steadfast father; Frankie Adams as Sina, her caring mother; and Rena Owen as the wise Gramma Tala. With a blend of new talent and returning voices, the ensemble brings fresh energy to a beloved story while maintaining its heart and humor.
As the trailer draws to a close, Moana’s resolve shines through: "My island, my people... won’t survive if we don’t make it. The ocean chose me for a reason." Maui, ever the trickster, asks, "Are you ready to be the hero?" To which Moana replies, "Let’s go save the world."
With its July 10 release date fast approaching, Disney’s live-action "Moana" stands poised to chart a new course for a new generation of wayfinders, blending spectacle, song, and soul in a voyage that honors the past while sailing boldly into the future.