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Disney has officially released the first teaser trailer for its highly anticipated live-action Moana, confirming a theatrical release date of July 10, 2026. The visually rich teaser offers a nostalgic glimpse of the majestic island of Motunui, featuring Catherine Laga'aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui.
Directed by Thomas Kail, the film also features John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. The film is the third installment in the Moana franchise and the adaptation of Disney's 2016 animated musical adventure film, Moana.
First Look: live-action Moana teaser unveils Catherine Lagaʻaia as the lead, confirms 2026 Release
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The live-action Moana teaser features Catherine Lagaʻaia as the adventurous heroine, with her powerful delivery of the iconic line "I Am Moana" as she sets sails outside of her home, Motonui.
The footage rapidly cuts between Moana's village life and her voyage across the open ocean, highlighting her destiny as a wayfinder. The shapeshifting demigod Maui, played once again by Dwayne Johnson, is also briefly teased in the teaser. It also includes the ferocious yet adorable Kakamora tribe and Moana's loyal, dimwitted sidekick, Hei-Hei the chicken.
The development of Disney's live-action Moana was first announced in April 2023 by Dwayne Johnson, who is also producing the film. The central cast was revealed in June 2024, led by newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia. Lagaʻaia, a young Australian actress of Samoan heritage, expressed a deep personal connection to the role. She stated:
“My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
Dwayne Johnson also spoke passionately about his return to the role of the demigod. The Smashing Machine actor stated:
"I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live action big screen. This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me."
On June 12, 2024, Disney revealed that Lagaʻaia would lead the live-action Moana. Following the casting, production swiftly began in Atlanta on July 29, 2024, using sound stages before shifting to Hawaii to capture authentic ocean backdrops.
The production was wrapped up in November 2024, allowing it plenty of time for complex visual effects ahead of its July 10, 2026 release.
Stay tuned for more updates.
