Disney has offered the first glimpse of its highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated smash, “Moana,” per deadline.com. A minute-long trailer, released Monday, introduces audiences to newcomer Catherine Laga’aia in the title role alongside Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his voice role as the infamous demigod, Maui.
The clip promises a lush cinematic return to the vibrant world of Motunui, opening with a familiar lyric from the original film: “I am a girl who loves my island, and the girl who loves the sea. It calls me.”
The original animated feature was a global box office hit, sailing to $643 million worldwide and paving the way for a sequel released in 2024.
The live-action film is directed by Hamilton Tony Award winner Thomas Kail. The story follows Moana as she answers the ocean’s call, journeying beyond her island’s reef with Maui on an unforgettable quest to restore prosperity to her people. The trailer also provides a sneak peek at the intimidating yet adorable Kakamora tribe.
The ensemble cast features John Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams as her strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen as the revered Gramma Tala.
Johnson, who has previously discussed wearing a tattooed bodysuit while filming, serves as a producer alongside Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who penned the original songs for the 2016 film. Kail will also executive produce, joined by Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, and Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced the titular character in the animated features.
‘Moana’ is scheduled to hit theatres on July 10, 2026.
