Moana

Moana

Disney’s much-anticipated live-action adaptation of Moana is set to sail into theaters on July 10, 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of the original 2016 animated classic. Directed by Broadway visionary Thomas Kail, best known for his work on Hamilton and Grease Live, this film marks his feature-film debut. Kail brings a strong theatrical background to the project, promising a rich, character-driven interpretation of the story.

Production for the film began in mid-2024 under the working title Canon, with principal photography taking place in Atlanta and Hawaii. While the original release was planned for 2025, Disney strategically delayed the premiere to summer 2026, allowing distance from Moana 2, the animated sequel that premiered in late 2024.

The live-action Moana is portrayed by Catherine Laga‘aia, a 17-year-old actress from Sydney, Australia, of Samoan descent. Her casting reflects Disney’s continued commitment to authenticity and respectful cultural representation. In interviews, Laga‘aia expressed deep pride in her heritage, noting that her grandparents come from Samoa and that she feels honored to represent Pacific Island cultures on the big screen.

Returning to the role of the shape-shifting demigod Maui is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who also serves as an executive producer on the film. Johnson has long expressed a personal connection to Maui, as the character was inspired by his own grandfather, a Samoan wrestling legend. His return is expected to bring both star power and emotional continuity to the adaptation.

The supporting cast features several Pacific Island actors, including John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. Behind the scenes, the film is guided by a screenplay from Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, with music composed by Mark Mancina and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, both of whom worked on the original film. This continuity in the creative team ensures that the new version will retain the heart, humor, and cultural richness of its predecessor.

As with other Disney live-action remakes such as Aladdin and The Jungle Book, this version of Moana aims to combine realistic settings and updated visuals with the beloved storyline. Practical effects, traditional Polynesian voyaging canoes, and stunning Hawaiian landscapes are all part of the film’s visual language. Fans can expect iconic scenes like Moana’s journey across the ocean and her encounter with Te Fiti to be reimagined with cinematic grandeur.

Although Auli‘i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, will not reprise the role, she remains heavily involved as an executive producer. Her decision not to return was motivated by a desire to pass the torch to a new Pacific Island actress and to ensure authentic representation continues at the heart of the film.

In summary, the 2026 Moana live-action remake promises to honor the legacy of the original while expanding its reach to new audiences. With a talented cast, deep cultural roots, and Disney’s signature magic, the film is poised to be both a tribute and a bold new voyage.