Get ready to embark on an unforgettable voyage, as Disney’s beloved Moana is making waves with a live-action remake that promises to bring the heart of Polynesia to the big screen! Slated for release on July 10, 2026, this highly anticipated adaptation stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reprising his iconic role as the demigod Maui, alongside 17-year-old newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia as the fearless Moana. Directed by Thomas Kail, known for Hamilton, and featuring a stellar cast celebrating Pacific Island heritage, the film is already generating buzz for its vibrant celebration of culture, music, and adventure. With production wrapping in Hawaii and Atlanta, and a release timed to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2016 animated classic, Moana is poised to redefine Disney’s live-action legacy. Here’s why this oceanic epic is the must-watch event of 2026!

From Animation to Live-Action: A New Voyage Begins

Disney’s Moana (2016) captivated audiences with its breathtaking animation, unforgettable songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and a empowering story of a young Polynesian woman finding her destiny. The tale of Moana, a determined teenager from the island of Motunui who sets sail to save her people and restore the heart of Te Fiti, grossed over $687 million worldwide and became a cultural touchstone for its authentic representation of Pacific Island traditions. Now, the live-action remake aims to bring this story to life in a bold new way, blending cinematic spectacle with the emotional depth that made the original a classic.

The film follows the same core narrative: Moana (Catherine Laga‘aia), a spirited young woman, defies her father’s protective rules to embark on a daring ocean voyage. Guided by the larger-than-life demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), she faces monstrous creatures, treacherous seas, and her own doubts to fulfill an ancient quest and discover her true identity as a master wayfinder. The remake promises to amplify the story’s cultural resonance, with a screenplay by Jared Bush (Zootopia, Moana) and Samoan writer Dana Ledoux Miller (Thai Cave Rescue), ensuring authenticity and heart. Early set photos from Hawaii, showing Johnson in Maui’s iconic leaf skirt and tattoos, and Laga‘aia on a canoe with her on-screen parents, have fans buzzing with excitement over the film’s visual fidelity to the original.

A Cast That Celebrates Polynesian Roots

The heart of Moana’s live-action remake lies in its cast, a vibrant ensemble that honors Pacific Island heritage while introducing fresh talent. Catherine Laga‘aia, a 17-year-old Sydney native of Samoan descent, makes her feature film debut as Moana, stepping into the role originally voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho. Laga‘aia’s casting has been celebrated for its authenticity, with the actress expressing pride in representing Samoa and Pacific Island peoples. “Moana is one of my favorites,” she said in a statement. “I’m honored to celebrate my culture and represent young girls who look like me.” Her father, Jay Laga‘aia, a veteran actor known for Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, shared his joy on social media, calling her casting a “dream come true.”

Dwayne Johnson, who voiced Maui in both the 2016 original and Moana 2 (released November 27, 2024), returns as the charismatic demigod, bringing his Polynesian heritage and larger-than-life charisma to the role. Johnson, whose mother hails from Samoa, has been a driving force behind the project, announcing the remake in April 2023 and serving as a producer through his Seven Bucks Productions. Set photos from November 2024 show him fully transformed into Maui, complete with a whale-tooth necklace, fishhook, and voluminous hair, sparking praise for his commitment to the character. “This story is my culture,” Johnson said, emphasizing the film’s role in sharing Polynesian legends, songs, and traditions with the world.

Joining them are John Tui (Young Rock) as Chief Tui, Moana’s protective father; Frankie Adams (The Expanse) as Sina, her supportive mother; and Rena Owen (Siren) as the wise and eccentric Gramma Tala. The cast’s Pacific Island roots—spanning Samoa, New Zealand, and beyond—add authenticity to the story, with Adams calling her role a “surreal” honor on social media. Auli‘i Cravalho, the original Moana, serves as an executive producer and mentor to Laga‘aia, praising her as a “brave, beautiful young woman of color” who embodies the spirit of a 16-year-old hero. The absence of Alan Tudyk as Heihei the rooster, with a new actress reportedly taking on the role to add “more chick to the chicken,” has sparked playful speculation about how the beloved poultry will steal scenes in live-action.

A Creative Team with Vision

Directed by Thomas Kail, making his narrative feature debut after helming Hamilton and We Were the Lucky Ones, Moana promises a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation. Kail’s experience with music-driven storytelling makes him a perfect fit to bring the film’s iconic songs—like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome”—to life, with Lin-Manuel Miranda returning as a producer and musical contributor. Mark Mancina, who scored the original and Moana 2, is back to craft the remake’s score, ensuring the music retains its Polynesian flair. The screenplay, penned by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, aims to balance fidelity to the original with fresh nuances, with rumors of a slightly extended reunion scene between Moana and her parents hinting at deeper emotional beats.

Produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Beau Flynn, with executive producers including Cravalho and Scott Sheldon, the film wrapped principal photography in November 2024 across Atlanta and Hawaii. The Hawaiian shoot, capturing the lush landscapes and ocean vistas, promises a cinematic experience that mirrors the animated film’s vibrant aesthetic. Cinematographer Óscar Faura and visual effects supervisor Bill Westenhofer, who left Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World for this project, are working to ensure the film’s creatures—like the lava monster Te Kā—leap off the screen. Disney’s decision to abandon an AI-generated deepfake of Johnson’s face, opting instead for practical effects and his physical performance, reflects a commitment to authenticity amid ongoing debates about AI in filmmaking.

Why Now? The Timing and Controversy

Disney’s decision to remake Moana just a decade after its 2016 debut has raised eyebrows, especially with Moana 2 hitting theaters in November 2024. The original film’s $687 million box office and cultural impact made it a prime candidate for a live-action adaptation, following the success of remakes like The Lion King ($1.6 billion) and Aladdin ($1 billion). However, some fans question the need for a remake so soon, with social media posts calling it a “cash grab” and expressing concern about “Moana fatigue” given the sequel’s release. “Why remake a modern classic when Moana 2 is still fresh?” one X user asked, while others argue the live-action format offers a new lens to celebrate Polynesian culture.

The casting of Laga‘aia, a Samoan-Australian actress, has been widely praised for its cultural sensitivity, but the rapid turnaround from the original has sparked debate about Disney’s remake strategy. The studio’s track record with live-action adaptations is mixed—while The Jungle Book and Cinderella were hits, Mufasa: The Lion King (December 2024) faced criticism for lacking the original’s magic. Moana’s focus on Pacific Island representation, backed by a culturally connected cast and crew, aims to avoid these pitfalls, with Johnson emphasizing the film’s role in honoring Polynesian traditions. The involvement of Samoan writer Dana Ledoux Miller and the Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti further ensures authenticity, addressing past criticisms of Disney’s handling of cultural narratives.

A Cultural Celebration with Global Appeal

Moana’s live-action remake is more than a retelling—it’s a celebration of Polynesian culture, from its music and dance to its stories of resilience and exploration. Laga‘aia’s casting has resonated with young audiences, particularly Pacific Island girls, who see themselves in a Disney princess who defies expectations. Johnson’s deep connection to his Samoan heritage, inspired by his late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, adds personal weight to his role, with the actor calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. The film’s release on July 10, 2026, coincides with the 10th anniversary of the original, making it a milestone moment for the Moana franchise.

Social media is abuzz with excitement, with fans praising the first-look images of Johnson as Maui and Laga‘aia on her canoe. “Catherine looks like she was born to play Moana,” one fan posted, while another called Johnson’s transformation “epic.” The film’s promise of practical effects, a culturally rich cast, and Miranda’s music has positioned it as a potential blockbuster, with early projections suggesting it could rival The Lion King’s box office. Yet, the challenge remains: can Disney balance nostalgia with innovation to win over both longtime fans and new audiences?

Set Sail for 2026

As Moana prepares to hit theaters on July 10, 2026, the anticipation is palpable. With Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga‘aia leading a cast that embodies the spirit of Polynesia, and Thomas Kail steering the ship, this live-action remake is poised to make a splash. Whether you’re a fan of the original’s heartfelt story, eager to see Johnson’s Maui in the flesh, or excited for Laga‘aia’s star-making turn, Moana promises an adventure that’s both familiar and thrillingly new. Catch Moana 2 in theaters on November 27, 2024, to tide you over, and get ready to sail beyond the reef with this epic remake. The ocean is calling—will you answer?