Disney’s Live-Action ‘Moana’ Teaser Gives First Look Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson as Maui
Disney is bringing Moana back to the big screen with a live-action version of the 2016 animated hit.
The film stars Catherine Lagaʻaia in her first movie role as Moana, while Dwayne Johnson returns as the demigod Maui. The project is directed by Thomas Kail, with a screenplay by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Johnson along with Hiram and Dany Garcia and Beau Flynn.
Alongside Lagaʻaia and Johnson, the film features John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as her mother, Sina, and Rena Owen reprising her role as Gramma Tala.
#Moana, arriving only in theaters July 10, 2026 🌊
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) November 17, 2025
Watch the new teaser now! pic.twitter.com/HTOAJwvzcf
Óscar Faura is the cinematographer, and Bill Westenhofer leads visual effects. Production took place in both Atlanta and Hawaii from July to November 2024. The filming initially faced delays due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, which pushed back the original schedule.
Disney briefly explored using AI to create a digital version of Johnson’s face for some scenes with a body double. The plan, developed with Metaphysic and with Johnson’s approval, was eventually abandoned to avoid public controversy and regulatory concerns about AI in filmmaking.
Moana is set for release on July 10, 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of the original movie. The film will be released in IMAX and comes a year later than originally planned to give space for the upcoming Moana 2.
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