Disney releases teaser for live-action Moana debuting in 2026 and featured Polynesian cast

Disney released this Monday, November 17, 2025, the first teaser trailer for the live-action remake of Moana, directed by Thomas Kail. The film features Catherine Laga’aia in the lead role of the young navigator and Dwayne Johnson reprising the demigod Maui. The production hits theaters on July 10, 2026, focusing on the adaptation of the 2016 animation.

The trailer highlights opening scenes of the island of Motunui and the ocean’s call to Moana, who embarks on a journey to restore prosperity to her people. The initiative aims to update the original story, nominated for an Oscar for best animation, into a realistic format.

Main cast members include actors of Polynesian origin, reinforcing the cultural authenticity of the narrative.

Full cast and origins

Catherine Laga’aia, 17 years old and of Samoan descent, plays Moana for the first time in a major film. Her grandmother comes from Leulumoega Tuai, in Upolu, and her grandfather from Fa’aala, in Savai’i, which connects the actress to the character’s heritage.

Dwayne Johnson, who voiced Maui in the animated version, takes on the physical role in the remake, marking his third collaboration with Disney in this universe.

Other confirmed names:

• John Tui as Chief Tui, Moana’s overbearing father, born in Auckland, New Zealand.
• Frankie Adams as Sina, the determined mother of Samoan-New Zealand descent.
• Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, the wise grandmother, originally from the Bay of Islands, Nov.Zealand.

Production and technical team

Thomas Kail, Tony winner for Hamilton, directs the project in his debut in narrative features. The script is by Jared Bush, co-author of the original animation, and Dana Ledoux Miller, of Samoan origin and creator of Thai Cave Rescue.

The production features Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia and Beau Flynn as main producers. Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer of the original songs, serves as producer and returns for new songs.

Mark Mancina, responsible for the soundtrack for the animation and Moana 2, confirms his participation in the remake.

Filming took place between July and November 2024 in Atlanta and Hawaii, with adjustments to avoid overlap with the release of Moana 2 in 2024.

Trailer Highlights

The teaser opens with Moana singing “How Far I’ll Go”, an iconic version of the 2016 animation. Scenes show the vibrant island of Motunui and her first encounter with Maui.

Visual elements include the Kakamora tribe and the living ocean, with effects that mix realism andfantasy. The official poster shows Laga’aia and Johnson in a canoe, with the sea in the background.

The trailer lasts about a minute and emphasizes the journey beyond the reef, without revealing plot spoilers.

Behind the scenes of the adaptation

The remake was announced in April 2023, during a Disney shareholder meeting, with an initial date of June 2025. The postponement to 2026 avoided proximity to Moana 2.

The casting choice prioritized Polynesian representation, as Kail highlighted in an official note. Auliʻi Cravalho, original voice of Moana, is executive producer.

The film will be shown in IMAX, expanding the visual experience of the maritime adventure.

Music and new songs

Lin-Manuel Miranda, absent from Moana 2 due to scheduling, contributes new compositions to the live-action film. The originals, like “You’re Welcome”, must be reinterpreted.

The track maintains the fusion of Polynesian rhythms with modern pop, faithful to the cultural essence.

Mancina’s score integrates traditional wave and drum sounds, recorded in authentic locations.

Preparing for theaters

Disney plans a global campaign focusing on families and fans of the animation, which grossed US$643 million at the box office. The remake follows hits like 2025’s live-action Lilo & Stitch.

Distribution occurs via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, with an emphasis on international markets.

The project marks the third in the Moana franchise, expanding the universe created by Ron Clements and John Musker.

Cultural representation in focus

The adaptation incorporates consultations with Polynesian communities for accuracy in dances and myths. Laga’aia expressed gratitude for the chance to represent girls of similar descent.

Elements like Maui tattoos and ancient navigation have been updated with historical references.

The film avoids the character Heihei voiced by Alan Tudyk, opting for a realistic approach.

The narrative centers on Moana’s journey of self-discovery, lasting an estimated 110 minutes.