Moana release date, cast, teaser, what to expect, and more about the live-action adaptation of Disney's 2016 animated franchise

Disney's Moana animated franchise gets a live-action adaptation, releasing next year in 2026. Here's everything you need to know about the movie.

Catherine Laga'aia in and as Moana

How many of you remembered Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson's Moana? Well, the Disney animated franchise gets a live-action adaptation recently that's coming next year in 2026. While the first animation grossed $643 million at the box office, the second one collected $1 billion worldwide. Now all eyes are on the live-action Moana with lots of expectations brewing among fans.

Moana release date

The live-action Moana has grabbed the July 10, 2026 date for its grand theatrical release. The movie is directed by Thomas Kail, screenplay by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, and co-produced by Dwayne Johnson, Hiram, Dany Garcia and Beau Flynn.

Moana cast members

While Auliʻi Cravalho lent her voice for Moana in both the 2016 and 2024 animations, the 18-year-old Catherine Laga'aia is the face of Moana in the live-action movie. Meanwhile, Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, but this time physically, rather than just lenting voice. Other pivotal characters are played by John Tui, Frankie Adams and Rena Owen.

What to expect from Moana

The live-action flick is expected to follow the 2016 original storyline where Moana embarks on a journey beyond her island with Maui to restore the fate of Te Firi. The 2026 movie promises to focus on dreamy fantasy elements with stunning visuals and the original's themes and music. As per reports, the makers did not change much in the storyline of the live-action adaptation, rather promised to relive the same incidents of Moana's journey across the ocean with the demigod.

Moana teaser breakdown

The 1-minute video provides the first look of Catherine Laga'aia as Moana, and the majestic island and people of Motunui, the shapeshifting demigod Maui, the intimidating yet adorable tribal Kakamora, while Lagaʻaia singing the song 'I Am Moana'. The teaser no doubt did its job great by teasing with the magical powers of the ocean, the ethereal visuals of the animals who reside under water, the birds that fly high, the boats that sailing with their own aura.

FAQs:

Q. Is there a new Moana coming out in 2026?

A. Yes, the live-action reimagining of Moana coming to theaters next year, on July 10, 2026. Moana live-action teaser introduces Catherine Laga'aia as Moana.

Q. Who stars in live-action Moana?

A. Catherine Laga'aia is the face of Moana in the live-action movie. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, but this time physically, rather than just lenting voice. Other pivotal characters are played by John Tui, Frankie Adams and Rena Owen.

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