Final ‘Moana’ Live-Action Trailer Unveils New Musical Moments in Disney’s Epic Reimagining

The upcoming live-action Moana film is moving closer to its 2026 premiere, with tickets now going on sale and new footage giving audiences a better look at the musical direction of the remake.

The film is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s 2016 animated hit Moana, and it also continues the franchise as its third major installment. It is directed by Thomas Kail in his first feature film. The screenplay comes from Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, while production is handled by Dwayne Johnson, Hiram and Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The story once again follows Moana, a young girl from the island of Motunui, who is chosen by the ocean to restore balance to her world. She leaves her home for the first time, crossing the reef and setting out on a dangerous journey. Along the way, she meets Maui, a powerful demigod who becomes her reluctant partner on the adventure.

The premise remains close to the original animated version. Moana is called by the ocean and must travel across the sea to save her people and fix the damage affecting her island. The journey tests her courage, identity, and connection to her ancestors, while also building her bond with Maui.

The cast includes Catherine Laga’aia in her first major film role as Moana. Dwayne Johnson returns to play Maui, a role he originally voiced in the animated films. The film also features John Tui as Chief Tui, Moana’s father, Frankie Adams as Sina, her mother, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, who plays an important emotional role in Moana’s life and connection to the ocean. Other characters such as Heihei the rooster and the villain Tamatoa are also part of the story, though their casting details have not all been confirmed.

According to production notes shared by Disney, filming took place in 2024 across locations in Atlanta and Hawaii. The shoot ran from July to November, aiming to capture both large-scale ocean adventure scenes and island life environments that reflect the world of Motunui.

The final trailer, released as tickets went on sale, highlights more of the film’s musical elements. While Disney has not changed the core story, the new footage suggests a stronger focus on musical sequences and emotional performances, continuing the franchise’s identity as a musical adventure.

Dwayne Johnson’s return as Maui is also a major focus in the marketing. His character once again plays a key role in Moana’s journey, joining her as she faces challenges across the ocean and confronts dangerous forces tied to the mythological world around them.

The film is scheduled for theatrical release by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in the United States on July 10. As described by Disney materials accompanying the trailer, the movie aims to bring the animated classic into a live-action format while keeping its core story about courage, identity, and the call of the ocean.

With the final trailer now out, Disney is positioning Moana as one of its major upcoming releases, with a strong focus on music, visuals, and returning fan-favorite characters brought into a new live-action setting.