Dwayne Johnson drops first look at Disney’s live-action Moana starring Catherine Laga’aia

Disney has officially lifted the sail on its live-action Moana remake, offering fans the first look at the oceanic adventure.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, reprising his role as the demigod Maui, shared the exciting teaser, which instantly got people buzzing. The footage provides a glimpse of the majestic island of Motunui and introduces the world to Catherine Laga’aia, the talented newcomer stepping into the titular role.

This highly anticipated adaptation is shaping up to be a stunning tribute to the 2016 animated classic, promising to bring the beloved characters and vibrant Polynesian culture to life with new depth. It’s an exciting time for Disney fans and a significant moment for representation on the big screen. The live-action Moana is set to hit U.S. theaters in the summer of 2026.

Here’s what you need to know about the cast, the creative team, and the movie’s focus on authentic cultural storytelling.

Who is Catherine Laga’aia, the New Moana?

Catherine Laga’aia is an 18-year-old Australian newcomer with deep roots in the Pacific Islands, making her casting especially meaningful.

She was just 17 when she landed the lead role following a global search for the perfect actress to embody Moana’s courageous spirit. Laga’aia is of Samoan heritage, with her grandfather hailing from Fa’aala, Palauli, in Savai’i, and her grandmother from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu, Samoa.

This personal connection provides an authentic foundation for the character and the story’s cultural celebration. “I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me,” Laga’aia previously stated about taking on the part.

Her first major screen appearance was in the 2023 Australian drama series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. She comes from an acting family; her father, Jay Laga’aia, is an established New Zealand-Australian actor best known for playing Captain Typho in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

Who Else is Cast in the Live-Action Film?

Dwayne Johnson is the only original cast member reprising his role, physically stepping into the enormous sandals of the mighty demigod, Maui.

Johnson, whose Polynesian heritage is Samoan, is also producing the film, ensuring a strong focus on cultural authenticity and respect for the source material. He has described the experience of playing the live-action version of Maui as “different,” citing the grounded reality of bringing a mythical character to “real flesh and blood and skin and bones.”

The rest of the main cast is filled out with a talented ensemble of Pacific Island actors. New Zealander John Tui, who has previously worked with Johnson on the series Young Rock, is playing Moana’s protective yet loving father, Chief Tui. The role of Moana’s strong-willed mother, Sina, goes to Samoan-New Zealander actress Frankie Adams, known for her work on The Expanse.

Rena Owen, also from New Zealand, rounds out the main family as the wise and spiritual Gramma Tala. The casting of all key family members with Pacific Island actors signals Disney’s commitment to cultural accuracy.

Is Auli‘i Cravalho Still Involved with the Project?

While Auli‘i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, is not reprising the lead role, she remains deeply involved as an executive producer.

Cravalho made the decision to step aside from the title role, believing it was essential for the live-action casting to accurately reflect the characters and the stories they tell. She is an avid supporter of Laga’aia and has been working behind the scenes to help find the next generation of Pacific Island talent for the project.

Cravalho’s involvement as an executive producer speaks volumes about her dedication to the film’s authentic representation and legacy. She is committed to passing the baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent to honor their communities.

Who is Directing and Producing the Live-Action Moana?

The live-action Moana is being directed by Thomas Kail, an acclaimed figure in the entertainment world best known for his work on Broadway’s smash hit Hamilton.

Kail’s background in directing stage musicals, including Grease Live! and Hamilton (which was also streamed on Disney+), brings a unique perspective to adapting an iconic musical for the screen. Original Moana screenwriter Jared Bush returns to co-write the live-action script alongside Samoan writer Dana Ledoux Miller.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who co-wrote the beloved songs for the original film, is returning to the project, this time as a producer. Mark Mancina, who scored the original, is also back as the film’s composer. Having both Miranda and Mancina involved guarantees that the music that made the 2016 film a sensation will be expertly handled in the new version.

The combination of Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions, Beau Flynn’s FlynnPictureCo., and the original creative minds is a powerful team.

When Does the Film Hit Theaters?

Disney has set a theatrical release date for the live-action Moana for July 10, 2026, marking one of the studio’s quickest turnarounds from animation to live-action adaptation.

This fast production schedule, less than a decade after the original’s release and shortly after the animated sequel Moana 2, shows the immense confidence Disney has in the project. The teaser trailer has only amplified the already high fan anticipation for this summer blockbuster.

The decision to move forward with a live-action remake while the animated sequel is still fresh in audiences’ minds highlights the franchise’s enduring popularity and financial appeal. Given the cultural significance and the star power of Dwayne Johnson, this film is poised to be a massive box office hit. Fans are eager to experience the story of Moana and Maui’s epic journey to save the island of Motunui in a completely new, visually immersive way.

The live-action adaptation seeks to maintain the heart of the original film: the adventurous spirit of Moana, her deep connection to her grandmother, and the hilarious, dynamic partnership with Maui. The commitment to authentic Polynesian casting and the return of key creative team members suggest that this remake will be a respectfully told and truly spectacular cinematic event.

TL;DR

• Dwayne Johnson debuted the first look at the live-action Moana, confirming its theatrical release date of July 10, 2026.
• Catherine Laga’aia, an 18-year-old Australian newcomer of Samoan descent, stars as the titular heroine, chosen for her authentic connection to the culture.
• Johnson is the only original actor reprising his role as the demigod Maui and is also a producer, ensuring cultural accuracy.
• The supporting cast, including John Tui (Chief Tui), Frankie Adams (Sina), and Rena Owen (Gramma Tala), are all Pacific Island actors.
• Original voice actress Auli‘i Cravalho serves as an executive producer, fully supporting Laga’aia’s casting.
• Thomas Kail (Hamilton director) is helming the film, with original composer Mark Mancina and producer Lin-Manuel Miranda also returning.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.