Disney debuts official trailer for live-action Moana 🌊
Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as demi-god Maui
Last updated 23rd Mar 2026
Disney are really picking up the pace with the live-action remakes - and now there's big news for Moana fans! After Dwayne Johnson confirmed the project in April 2023, the bosses over at the House of Mouse have now shared the new official poster and trailer for the upcoming film!
When will it be released?
The live-action remake of Moana will arrive on 10th July 2026. Disney said in a post on Instagram in November: '#Moana, arriving only in cinemas 10th July 2026 🌊.'
Watch the official trailer here:
Unveiling the official trailer on 23rd March 2026, Disney wrote: 'The ocean chose her for a reason. 🌊 (...) Experience Disney's #Moana, only in cinemas July 10th'.
In a very faithful adaptation, the trailer is essentially a shot-for-shot remake of the 2016 animated original. Crystallising the authenticity further is Dwayne Johnson who reprises his role as Maui, except this time we can see him in the flesh (and with hair!)
Reacting to the new trailer, Disney fans were quick to express their excitement with one writing: 'I'm looking forward to see Dwayne who plays Maui in live❗', while another said: 'It's promising to be good! I will watch'. (sic)
A third chimed: 'My pacific island princess! 🥹🫶🏽', and a fourth said: 'Oooh. But why am I emotional?!? 😭🥹 so excited'. (sic)
Is there a poster?
Yes! Disney also unveiled a brand-new poster featuring the live-action leads which you can check out below.
Catherine Laga'aia cast as live-action Moana
Posting on Instagram back in June 2024, Disney shared a snap of Catherine alongside the caption: 'Introducing Catherine Laga’aia as the live-action Moana, joining Dwayne Johnson as Maui, John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. The new reimagining starts production this Summer.'
Catherine herself said in a press release: "I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites. 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 honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me."
Who else is in the cast?
Disney confirmed the remaining main cast in an Instagram post, shared in June 2024 - but Dwayne Johnson drew extra attention to the announcement the following month with his own post.
Sharing an image containing photos of the main cast, Dwayne reiterated that Catherine Laga’aia would play Moana, with Dwayne himself reprising his role as Maui, John Tui joining as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Moana's mother Sina and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.
Auli'i Cravalho confirms she will return as Executive Producer
In May 2023, Auli'i posted a video of herself on Instagram, explaining that the live-action remake of Moana is most definitely underway, before taking out a notepad and reading aloud her statement.
It read: "When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career. In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.
"So, as an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana's courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength. I am truly honoured to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent to honour our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures and communities that have inspired her story and I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come. Mahalo."
How was the Moana remake announced?
Dwayne Johnson, who voiced Maui in the 2016 animated flick, confirmed in a sweet video on his Instagram page alongside his two daughters, Tia and Jasmine, that he would be reprising his role as the demigod in a live-action remake.
Dwayne wrote alongside the clip: 'Deeply humbled to announce we’re bringing the beautiful story of MOANA to the live action big screen! This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace, mana and warrior strength.
'I wear our culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once in a lifetime opportunity to reunite with MAUI, inspired by the spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me.
'We’re honored to partner with DisneyStudios to tell our story through the realm of music and dance, which at the core is who we are as Polynesian people. Much more to come, but until then What can I saaaaaay except… You’re welcome 🪝.'
Dwayne's co-star, Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced the titular character, also confirmed on her Instagram profile that she'd be involved in the franchise, but didn't confirm in what capacity at that time. She wrote: 'This one has been whispered about for years! ✨ Moana has had such a profound impact on how we think of Disney princesses.
'Moana’s strength and perseverance are inspiring—to audiences around the world, to me and to everyone who helped bring her to life. ❤️🙏🏼 I’m looking forward to sharing her story in a whole new way. Eō #Moana!! 🌀'
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