Moana live-action reimagining is exclusively in cinemas now
by Explore Disney+ Contributor
11 July 2026
What to know about the new production before going to see it on the big screen
The new live-action movie brings Motunui to life with Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui, adding an epic ocean-bound adventure to Disney’s 2026 Blockbuster Summer. Here’s everything you need to know about one of the biggest theatrical releases of the season, including the cast and plot.
The Moana live-action story, release date & creative team
The ocean is calling, and this time Moana is returning to the big screen in live action. Disney’s new reimagining brings the island of Motunui, along with Moana, Maui, Heihei, Pua, and the vast ocean into a new cinematic adventure.
What is the Moana live-action movie about?
The movie follows Moana (Catherine Laga’aia), a spirited Pacific voyager, as she answers the ocean’s call and sails beyond the reef of her home, Motunui, for the first time. Along the way, she meets the demigod Maui and together they embark on an unforgettable quest.
The movie reimagines the Oscar®-nominated animated adventure with live-action performances and big-screen visuals.
When was the Moana live-action movie released in cinemas?
The movie premiered exclusively in cinemas on 10 July 2026.
Who is behind the Moana live-action movie?
The movie is directed by Emmy® and Tony Award® winner Thomas Kail, whose credits include Hamilton. Dwayne Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda are producing. Thomas Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, and Auliʻi Cravalho serve as executive producers.
What to know about the Moana live-action movie
Moana dives into live action with familiar characters, an all-new original song, and one unpredictable chicken. Before the movie arrives in cinemas, here are answers to the big questions many fans have about the all-new live-action adaptation of this beloved story.
The destination may be familiar, but the addition of human actors and on-location cinematography gives the filmmakers a new way to bring the islands, characters, and music to the big screen.
Who is playing Moana in the live-action movie?
Catherine Lagaʻaia plays the titular adventurous teenager who leaves Motunui and sails beyond the reef after the Ocean chooses her for a mission bigger than she ever expected.
The Sydney, Australia native takes on the role first voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho in Disney’s 2016 movie and its sequel, Moana 2. Lagaʻaia has shared that Moana is one of her favourite characters, and that she’s honored to help celebrate Samoa and Pacific Island people through the role.
Auliʻi Cravalho is also involved behind-the-scenes as an executive producer, and performs the new original song by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Along The Way,” with Lagaʻaia and Johnson. Cravalho voiced Moana in the animated features, helping introduce the character to audiences before welcoming Lagaʻaia as Moana in live-action.
Who else is starring in the Moana live-action movie?
Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, the larger-than-life demigod who joins Moana on her voyage. The cast also includes John Tui as Chief Tui, Moana’s no-nonsense father and the leader of Motunui. Frankie Adams plays Sina, Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother. Rena Owen plays Gramma Tala, Moana’s wise grandmother and one of the people who best understands her connection to the ocean.
Are any voice actors from the original Moana movie involved in the new retelling?
Dwayne Johnson, who voiced Maui in the animated movies, takes on the same role in the live-action retelling. Jemaine Clement also returns as the voice of the glitzy giant singing crab Tamatoa.
Watch the animated Moana movies on Disney+
Get excited for the live-action movie and stream Moana (2016) and Moana 2 on Disney+.
You can also stream Moana Sing-Along, with added on-screen lyrics accompanying the original animated movie.
Explore More Live-Action Movies On Disney+
There are plenty of stories with live-action reimaginings to discover or revisit. After you’ve watched Moana at the cinema, Disney+ has more live-action adventures ready for your next movie night.
