Disney Unveils First Trailer for Live-Action Moana Remake

Disney has released the first teaser trailer for its live-action remake of the animated classic, Moana, which is set to hit theaters on July 10, 2026. The new adaptation stars newcomer Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and features Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reprising his role as Maui, the demigod who accompanies Moana on her journey. This latest film continues Disney’s trend of remaking beloved animated features into live-action formats, a practice that has proven to be highly lucrative at the box office.

The original animated film, released in 2016 and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, follows Moana as she embarks on a quest to restore balance to her island by returning a mystical relic to the goddess Te Fiti. In the live-action adaptation, Laga’aia expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples.” Her connection to the culture comes from her family roots in Samoa, underscoring the film’s emphasis on authenticity.

The teaser trailer showcases key moments reminiscent of the animated version, including a poignant scene where Moana stands before the ocean. The visuals highlight the vibrant landscapes of Motunui and offer a glimpse of Moana’s interactions with her parents, played by John Tui and Frankie Adams, who portray Chief Tui and Sina, respectively. Additionally, Rena Owen takes on the role of Gramma Tala, providing guidance to Moana in another significant scene.

As the trailer unfolds, viewers can see familiar elements such as Maui’s iconic hook and the Kakamora, the coconut-armored pirates who threaten Moana and Maui on their journey. The film also features a rendition of “I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)” performed by Laga’aia, connecting audiences to the music that made the original film resonate with fans.

Disney’s strategy of producing live-action remakes has generated considerable financial success, with recent titles such as the live-action adaptations of The Lion King and The Little Mermaid earning over $1 billion globally. The trend not only revitalizes interest in classic stories but also introduces them to new audiences.

As anticipation builds for the release of Moana, discussions among fans reflect a mix of excitement and skepticism about the necessity of live-action adaptations. Many express a desire for Disney to explore new narratives rather than revisiting stories that are still fresh in memory. Nonetheless, the announcement of the Moana remake adds to the growing list of animated features being reimagined for the big screen, including recent successes from other studios like DreamWorks and Universal Pictures.

The live-action Moana promises to deliver a fresh take on a beloved classic while honoring the cultural significance of its characters and story. As the film approaches its release date, fans eagerly await to see how this new adaptation will interpret the magic and adventure that captivated audiences in the original animated film.