🌊 Moana (2026) Live-Action: Cast, Story, Release Date & Everything You Need to Know!

“When the Ocean calls your name… destiny always answers.” 🌙🌊

Disney is ready to take audiences back to Motunui — but this time, the waves are bigger, the world is real, and the legacy is about to shine brighter than ever.The highly anticipated live-action Moana, starring Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson returning as the mighty demigod Maui, is crashing into theaters on July 10, 2026.

With a brand-new teaser now out, fans finally get their first glimpse at the reimagined world — the lush islands, the Kakamora, the gorgeous Polynesian landscapes, and the iconic moment Moana belts out “I Am Moana” once more.

This isn’t just another Disney remake. This is a cultural celebration — a return to one of the most beloved journeys in modern animation, now rebuilt with breathtaking visuals, real locations, and a rising star leading the way.

🌺 Moana (2026) – Quick Overview

Title: Moana (Live-Action, 2026)

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Musical

Cast: Catherine Lagaʻaia, Dwayne Johnson

Director: Thomas Kail

Writers: Jared Bush, Dana Ledoux Miller

Producers: Johnson, Garcia, Miranda & more

Release: July 10, 2026 (Theaters Only)

🌈 The Story – A Wayfinder’s Destiny Reborn

It began with a girl who believed the ocean chose her. Now her journey is being retold for a whole new generation.

In the live-action adaptation, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) once again answers the Ocean’s call, stepping beyond the reef for the very first time. Her mission: restore the heart of Te Fiti and return life to her people.

But this time, we see every detail — the shorelines, the canoes, the waves, the glowing legends of her ancestors — brought to life with stunning realism.

Her unlikely companion?Maui, the trickster demigod, shape-shifter, hero to all . Played once again by Dwayne Johnson, Maui returns with all his swagger, humor, and heart.

“You’re welcome!”

But what makes this adaptation special is the emotion tied to Moana discovering who she is . Her voice, her courage, her heritage — all shine brighter when brought into the real world.

“Sometimes the ocean doesn’t choose the strongest. It chooses the brave.”

🌺 Main Cast & Characters

🌊 Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana

A powerful debut. Fresh, talented, and brimming with authenticity, she is ready to carry the legacy of Moana into a new cinematic era. Fans are already praising her voice, presence, and connection to Polynesian culture.

“The ocean chose me… and I choose my people.”

🪝 Dwayne Johnson as Maui

He’s back. Bigger, funnier, louder — and just as heartwarming. Johnson’s Maui is already being celebrated as one of Disney’s best live-action cast returns.

Expect magic. Expect muscles. Expect chaos.

🌺 John Tui as Chief Tui

Moana’s strict but loving father — a man trying to keep tradition alive while protecting his people from the dangers beyond the reef.

🌼 Frankie Adams as Sina

Moana’s mother — playful, warm, and quietly strong. She is Moana’s emotional anchor.

🐚 Rena Owen as Gramma Tala

The heart of the island.The village madwoman.The keeper of legends.The grandmother whose stories guide Moana toward her destiny.

A fan-favorite role coming to life once more.

🎬 Behind the Scenes – A Team of Legends

The film is directed by Thomas Kail, the Emmy®-winning visionary behind Hamilton. This marks his biggest cinematic

project yet — blending cultural respect, live-action spectacle, and musical magic.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the musical genius behind “How Far I’ll Go,” returns as a producer to protect the heart of the music.

The original Moana voice actress Auliʻi Cravalho joins as executive producer — ensuring cultural authenticity and emotional truth remain intact.

Filming took place across Hawaii and Atlanta, capturing natural beauty and advanced visual effects that push the boundaries of what live-action musicals can look like.

🌟 Why This Live-Action Moana Will Hit Different

✅ A new Moana for a new generation – with a lead actress who honors the culture

✅ Iconic songs brought to life in a fresh cinematic style

✅ Dwayne Johnson’s Maui returning = instant hype

✅ Top-tier visuals capturing the real Pacific

✅ A stronger emphasis on Polynesian culture and heritage

✅ Directed by a master storyteller with Broadway-level emotion

This is not a shot-for-shot remake.

It’s a re-imagining — deeper, richer, more grounded.

🎥 Trailer Breakdown – A First Look at Motunui Reborn

The first trailer shows:

✨ sweeping shots of green mountains and turquoise seas

✨ Moana singing “I Am Moana”

✨ the Kakamora — creepier AND cuter

✨ Maui shapeshifting mid-battle

✨ Chief Tui’s powerful speeches

✨ Gramma Tala’s glowing manta ray symbol

Everything feels more alive — more cinematic — more real.

Disney isn’t just adapting Moana…They’re honoring her.

🧭 Where to Watch

📅 Release Date: July 10, 2026

🎬 Exclusively in theaters

🌍 Worldwide release by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Following the theatrical run, the film will likely stream on Disney+ — but only after its cinema window.

💬 Fan Buzz & Early Reactions

Fans are already losing it online:

“Catherine Lagaʻaia IS Moana. What perfect casting!”

“Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui is everything.”

“This is the live-action remake I’m actually excited about.”

“The trailer gave me chills — especially ‘I Am Moana.’”

With over a million trailer views in the first 24 hours, Moana is shaping up to be Disney’s next cultural phenomenon.

🌙 Final Thoughts – A Journey Beyond the Reef Begins Again

The live-action Moana is more than a remake — it’s a celebration of courage, culture, and identity. A new Moana is rising into the spotlight.

A Maui returning home.

A story discovering new emotional depth through real performance.

“The ocean chose her once .

Now, the world chooses her again.”

⭐ Verdict: 10/10 — Vibrant, heartfelt, and destined to be Disney’s next global hit.

📢 Moana (2026) hits theaters July 10.

Get ready to journey beyond the reef once more. 🌊✨