Disney’s live-action Moana has officially dropped its first trailer, and Pacific Islander representation has never looked better. Scheduled for release on July 10, 2026, this remake celebrates the tenth anniversary of the beloved animated classic while honoring Polynesian culture through authentic casting choices.
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Moana : The Heroes Behind the Adventure
17-year-old Sydney, Australia native Catherine Laga’aia takes on the titular role as the adventurous teenager, making her film debut in the most coveted role of 2024. With Samoan heritage from both grandparents, she brings authentic cultural connection to the character.
Complete Cast Breakdown
| Actor | Character | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Catherine Laga’aia | Moana | 17-year-old Australian with Samoan heritage |
| Dwayne Johnson | Maui | Reprising role from animated films |
| John Tui | Chief Tui | Auckland, New Zealand native |
| Frankie Adams | Sina | Samoan-New Zealander actress |
| Rena Owen | Gramma Tala | Bay of Islands, New Zealand native |
Why Authentic Casting Matters
Original voice actress Auli’i Cravalho declined to reprise the role in live-action because she wanted to pave the way for another Pacific Islander to take on the part. Instead, she serves as executive producer, ensuring the film stays true to its cultural roots.
This decision reflects Disney’s commitment to authentic representation, particularly important for stories centered on Indigenous cultures. Every cast member brings real Pacific Islander heritage to their roles, creating genuine connections to the characters they portray.
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Creative Team Excellence
Thomas Kail directs the film, making his narrative feature directorial debut after helming the live film recording of Hamilton. The screenplay comes from Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, with Lin-Manuel Miranda returning as songwriter after not being involved with Moana 2 due to scheduling conflicts.
The production wrapped filming between July and November 2024, shooting in both Atlanta and Hawaii to capture authentic island landscapes.
What to Expect
The remake maintains the original’s core story—a young wayfinder venturing beyond her island with demigod Maui to save her people. However, the trailer includes Laga’aia’s title character performing “How Far I’ll Go,” which was featured in the initial movie, promising spectacular musical numbers.
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Learn more about the production at the official Walt Disney Company announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the original voice actress Auli’i Cravalho appear in the live-action Moana?
No, Auli’i Cravalho will not appear onscreen in the live-action version. She deliberately chose not to return to allow another young Pacific Islander actress to have the same career-changing opportunity she received. However, she remains deeply involved as an executive producer, helping to ensure authentic cultural representation.
Is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson the only returning cast member from the animated film?
Yes, Dwayne Johnson is the only actor reprising his role from the animated films. He’ll portray Maui in live-action after voicing the character in both Moana (2016) and Moana 2. Johnson personally announced the live-action remake in April 2023, expressing deep personal connection to the story as it represents his Polynesian heritage.
