Disney has officially unveiled the first trailer for its highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Moana, released on March 23, 2026. The trailer introduces audiences to Catherine Laga’aia as the titular wayfinder Moana, while Dwayne Johnson reprises his iconic role as the shape-shifting demigod Maui from the original 2016 animated film. The live-action reimagining is directed by Emmy and Tony Award winner Thomas Kail and will sail into theatres worldwide on July 10, 2026.
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Moana Live-Action Production and Release Details
The trailer captures the epic adventure of Moana as she ventures beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous Maui on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people. The first-look footage showcases stunning visual sequences featuring the wayfinder’s iconic song “How Far I’ll Go,” along with glimpses of the intimidating tribe of Kakamora and the richly detailed world of ancient Polynesia.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Moana (Live-Action Adaptation) |
| Trailer Release | March 23, 2026 |
| Theatrical Release | July 10, 2026 (worldwide) |
| Director | Thomas Kail (Hamilton, Fosse/Verdon) |
| Lead Cast | Catherine Laga’aia (Moana), Dwayne Johnson (Maui) |
| Supporting Cast | John Tui (Chief Tui), Frankie Adams (Sina), Rena Owen (Gramma Tala) |
| Screenplay | Jared Bush, Dana Ledoux Miller |
| Based On | 2016 Disney animated film Moana |
| Producers | Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, Lin-Manuel Miranda |
| Executive Producers | Thomas Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, Auli’i Cravalho |
| Music Composer | Mark Mancina |
| Original Songs | Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i |
| Genre | Adventure/Fantasy live-action remake |
| Original Animated Box Office | $643 million globally (2016) |
Cast Details and Character Breakdown
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Catherine Laga’aia | Moana | Wayfinder; calls to restore prosperity to Motunui |
| Dwayne Johnson | Maui | Shape-shifting demigod; trickster character; reprises voice role |
| John Tui | Chief Tui | Moana’s no-nonsense father |
| Frankie Adams | Sina | Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother |
| Rena Owen | Gramma Tala | Moana’s revered grandmother |
Director Thomas Kail’s Vision
Director Thomas Kail brings his Emmy and Tony Award-winning expertise to the live-action adaptation, having previously helmed groundbreaking productions including the filmed version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, as well as the television series Fosse/Verdon. His experience in bringing theatrical spectacle to visual media positions him ideally for adapting Moana’s expansive oceanic adventures.
Kail’s involvement represents Disney’s commitment to securing A-list filmmaking talent for their live-action remakes, ensuring the production matches the scale and emotional resonance of the beloved 2016 animated original.
Music and Creative Team
The live-action Moana retains the original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Opetaia Foa’i, with new orchestral score by Mark Mancina, who also composed for the original animated film. This continuity ensures audiences experience the iconic musical moments that defined the original while benefiting from expanded orchestration suited to live-action cinematography.
Lin-Manuel Miranda serves as both a producer and musical architect of the project, ensuring creative continuity between animated and live-action versions while allowing for fresh interpretations within the expanded medium.
Original Film Legacy and Timeline
The live-action adaptation arrives nearly a decade after the original 2016 film’s release, which grossed $643 million worldwide and became a cultural phenomenon. The original was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, with Miranda earning an Oscar nomination for “How Fair I’ll Go.” A 2024 sequel, Moana 2, launched a billion-dollar franchise expansion, making the live-action reimagining a significant investment in Disney’s continued Polynesian storytelling.
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FAQs
When was the Moana live-action trailer released?
The official trailer for Disney’s live-action Moana was released on March 23, 2026, marking the first full-length look at the adaptation ahead of its July 10 theatrical release.
Who plays Moana and Maui in the live-action film?
Catherine Laga’aia plays the title character Moana, making her film debut in the role, while Dwayne Johnson reprises his iconic role as the demigod Maui, whom he originally voiced in the 2016 animated film.
When is the live-action Moana scheduled to release in theatres?
The live-action Moana is scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on July 10, 2026, approximately 10 years after the original animated film’s 2016 release.
Who directs the live-action Moana adaptation?
Thomas Kail, an Emmy and Tony Award winner known for directing Hamilton and Fosse/Verdon, directs the live-action Moana adaptation, bringing his theatrical expertise to the oceanic adventure.
Will the original songs from the 2016 Moana be included in the live-action version?
Yes, the live-action adaptation retains the original songs composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Opetaia Foa’i, including the iconic “How Far I’ll Go,” with a new orchestral score by returning composer Mark Mancina.
