Disney is charting a new course for Moana, this time in live action. The studio’s adaptation of the 2016 animated hit has officially entered production, with a release date scheduled for July 10, 2026.
Originally set for 2025, the project was delayed a year to allow additional development and filming, as well as to accommodate the surprise success of Moana 2 (2024), which grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who originally voiced Maui, returns both as producer and performer, bringing a personal connection and his Polynesian heritage to the forefront.
Announced in April 2023, Johnson said the live-action film will “celebrate the islands, communities, and traditions of Pacific Islanders” while reintroducing audiences to Moana, Grandma Tala, Maui, and Te Fiti. “We are so excited and happy to announce that a live-action reimagining of Moana is in the works,” Johnson said, promising a heartfelt return to the world of Motunui.
Directing is Thomas Kail, known for Hamilton, making his feature film debut. Kail’s theatrical background is expected to lend both realism and visual intimacy to the oceanic adventure. The screenplay is co-written by Jared Bush, who co-wrote the original, and Dana Ledoux Miller, who suggested the live-action format will emphasize the story’s “visceral nature” and “human vulnerability.” Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mark Mancina are returning to provide music, keeping the film in step with the animated original’s musical heartbeat.
Cultural authenticity remains a priority. Johnson emphasized, “my culture — emblematic of our people’s grace, mana, and warrior strength.” Filming reportedly took place in Hawaii and other Pacific islands, highlighting the region’s natural beauty.
Catherine Laga‘aia stars as Moana in her breakout role, while Auliʻi Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, serves as an executive producer. “It is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell,” Cravalho said. Supporting cast members include John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother Sina, and Rena Owen as Grandma Tala, all with strong ties to Pacific Islander heritage.
The live-action adaptation is said to follow the original story—a young woman sailing across the ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti—but promises a more tactile and emotional experience. Practical effects, real ocean cinematography, and human performances aim to give the tale new depth. Miller noted the film’s realism will “give the movie a real human vulnerability that will make it feel fresh.”
With filming wrapped, Johnson reflected on his role in a recent podcast. “Playing Maui has been the gift of a lifetime. Growing up as a Samoan–half Samoan and half black–in Samoan culture, Polynesian culture? We’re proud people. Proud of our culture,” he said on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast (via SFF Gazette). “And what Moana has represented is a really awesome global embrace of Polynesian culture, our values and our qualities and our pride and our mana.”
He confirmed that filming production had stopped, “Today’s Tuesday. Just this past Friday, around 8:00 p.m., we officially wrapped the live-action version of Moana, so we can’t wait.” Johnson also highlighted his experience filming, “I spent an entire week shooting ‘You’re Welcome,’ and the singing and the choreography is crazy.”
As one of Disney’s core franchises, Moana carries high expectations. While some fans have questioned the need for a remake so soon after the animated sequel, Disney has had success revisiting classics like Aladdin (2019) and The Lion King (2019) with renewed spectacle and authenticity.
If executed well, Moana (2026) could honor the original while shining a spotlight on the Pacific cultures that inspired it, guided by Johnson and a new generation of talent.
