Disney releases first trailer for live-action Moana

Disney The Walt Disney Company ↘ 2.17% released the first teaser trailer for its live-action adaptation of Moana on November 17, featuring Australian newcomer Catherine Laga'aia in the title role alongside Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his performance as the demigod Maui. The film, set to arrive in theaters on July 10, 2026, marks the shortest gap between an animated Disney classic and its live-action remake—just under 10 years.thewaltdisneycompany+3

The minute-long trailer offers glimpses of the island of Motunui brought to life through a blend of live-action and visual effects, showcasing the Kakamora tribe and featuring Laga'aia's rendition of the Lin-Manuel Miranda anthem "How Far I'll Go". The 18-year-old actress from Sydney, who is of Samoan heritage, beat out hundreds of candidates for the role.youtube+4

"I'm truly excited to take on this character because Moana is one of my favorites," Laga'aia said in a statement released by Disney earlier this year. "My grandfather comes from Fa'aala, Palauli, in Savai'i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of 'Upolu in Samoa. I'm honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me."variety+1

A Gamble on Recent Material

The live-action Moana represents a shift in Disney's remake strategy, which has traditionally focused on classics from the 1980s and 1990s. The original 2016 animated film grossed $687 million worldwide and earned two Academy Award nominations. Its 2024 sequel, Moana 2, has already crossed $1 billion at the global box office.screenrant+5

Thomas Kail, the Tony Award-winning director of Hamilton, helms the production. The film is produced by Johnson, Miranda, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Beau Flynn, with Auli'i Cravalho—who voiced Moana in both animated films—serving as executive producer.thewaltdisneycompany+3

The supporting cast includes Auckland native John Tui as Chief Tui, Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.youtube+2