The ocean has called for yet another Disney live-action adaptation, as the first trailer for Moana has just made landfall, offering a first look at newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia as the film’s leading heroine, alongside Dwayne Johnson, who will reprise his role as the demigod Maui.
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favourites,” said 17-year-old Laga‘aia in a statement to Variety. “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 honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
True enough, just based on the short snippet of Laga‘aia in character from the trailer alone, this live-action reimagining of Moana looks to be Disney’s return to animation-accurate casting, seemingly learning its lesson from past flops like The Little Mermaid (2023) and Snow White (2023).
The original 2016 animated film followed Moana (voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho), a young but adventurous teenager who sails on a daring mission to save her people. Along the way, she encounters the once-mighty demigod Maui (voiced by Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master way-finder. The duo must then venture forth to fulfil the ancient quest of her ancestors and discover their own identity. Its sequel, Moana 2, was released in 2024.
Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, who wrote the script for both animated films, will return for the live-action adaptation as co-screenwriters, with Thomas Kail (Hamilton) serving as its director. Mark Mancina also returns to score the film, with Johnson also doubling up as producer.
In addition to Laga‘aia and Johnson, the film will also star John Tui (Battleship) as Moana’s father Chief Tui, Frankie Adams (The Expanse) as Moana’s mother Sina, and Rena Owen (The Last Witch Hunter) as Gramma Tala.
Disney’s live-action reimaging of Moana will hit theatres on 10 July 2026.
Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.
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