Live-action ‘Moana’ set for July 10, 2026 release; Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui

Disney is bringing back its hit animated movie Moana in new avatar. The studio has announced a live-action adaptation of the movie which is now scheduled to hit theatres on July 10, 2026.

Newcomer Catherine Laga’aia will make her film debut in the lead role of Moana, while Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as the demigod Maui, a character he previously voiced in the 2016 animated hit. The trailer showcases Johnson in full costume, complete with Maui’s signature animated tattoos.

The film is directed by Thomas Kail, known for his work on Hamilton, marking his feature film debut. His previous collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda—who returns as a producer and songwriter—has raised expectations for a strong musical and storytelling experience.




The supporting cast includes John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. Auli’i Cravalho, who originally voiced Moana, joins the project as an executive producer, maintaining a link to the animated classic.

Music remains a central element, with original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina, while Mancina also returns to compose the score.

The live-action remake follows Disney’s ongoing strategy of adapting its animated hits into live-action films—a formula that has delivered consistent box office success. The recent performance of Lilo & Stitch has further strengthened confidence in this approach.

However, the decision to remake Moana less than a decade after the original has sparked debate among critics, with some questioning the need for such quick reboots. Early reactions to the trailer have also pointed to concerns over visual aesthetics and a possible shot-for-shot retelling of the original story.

Despite the criticism, the film is expected to benefit from the franchise’s strong fan base, further boosted by the success of Moana 2 in 2024. Industry observers believe this built-in popularity could translate into significant box office returns upon release.

With its mix of nostalgia, music, and a proven storyline, Disney’s Moana remake is poised to be one of the studio’s major releases in 2026.

All about Disney's Moana
The first movie was released in 2016. Moana Waialiki is a spirited teenager with exceptional navigational ability who sets sail on a journey to find a legendary island in the region of Oceania.