Disney drops official trailer for live-action ‘Moana’ remake

Disney released the full trailer for its live-action “Moana” on Monday, showcasing Dwayne Johnson’s transformation into the demigod Maui.goodmorningamerica
The film is directed by Thomas Kail of “Hamilton” fame, with Lin-Manuel Miranda returning as songwriter and producer alongside Auli’i Cravalho as executive producer.goodmorningamerica
The original animated “Moana” grossed $643 million worldwide, and its 2024 sequel crossed $1 billion, making the franchise one of Disney’s most bankable properties.deadline

Disney Unveils Official Live-Action Moana Trailer With Dwayne Johnson as Maui

Disney dropped the official trailer for its live-action “Moana” remake on Monday, offering the fullest look yet at Dwayne Johnson’s transformation into the demigod Maui and newcomer Catherine Laga’aia stepping into the title role for the reimagined Polynesian adventure set to hit theaters on July 10, 2026.goodmorningamerica

A First Full Look at the Voyage

The trailer, which follows a teaser released in November 2025, opens with Moana yearning for life beyond the reef of her home island of Motunui as her grandmother, Gramma Tala (Rena Owen), delivers the call to adventure. “Beyond our reef, an evil darkness has found us. Moana, the ocean chose you. Find Maui, restore the heart of Te Fiti, and save us all,” Gramma Tala tells her granddaughter. Johnson then appears as Maui, letting out the character’s signature “chee-hoo” before shapeshifting into a whale, showcasing the heavy visual effects work that will bring the demigod’s powers to life on screen. The trailer closes with Moana declaring, “I’m not a princess. I’m the daughter of the chief, leader of my people,” before telling Maui, “Let’s go save the world”.goodmorningamerica

Behind the Camera

The film is directed by Thomas Kail, the Emmy and Tony Award winner behind “Hamilton,” making his feature film debut. The screenplay comes from Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the original songs for the 2016 animated film including “How Far I’ll Go,” returns as both songwriter and producer. Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 animated original and its 2024 sequel “Moana 2,” serves as executive producer, bridging the animated and live-action chapters of the franchise. Johnson also produces alongside Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, and Hiram Garcia.wdwnt

A Proven Franchise Sails On

The original animated “Moana” earned $643 million worldwide at the box office, and its sequel crossed the billion-dollar mark in 2024, establishing the property as one of Disney’s most bankable franchises. The live-action version arrives during a crowded 2026 summer movie season, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the original film. Joining Laga’aia and Johnson in the cast are John Tui as Chief Tui and Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother, Sina.deadline