Disney is officially steering full speed ahead into a new era of live-action storytelling, and its latest voyage brings fans back to the sparkling seas of Motunui. The first trailer for the highly anticipated live-action Moana has finally arrived. In doing so, it offers a vibrant, heartfelt, and visually stunning reimagining of the beloved 2016 animated classic. Directed by Tony Award–winning filmmaker Thomas Kail, the film is set to wash ashore in theaters on July 10th, 2026, and the early footage teases an epic journey worthy of the original’s legacy.
Leading the charge is newcomer Catherine Laga’aia, whose breakout performance as Moana already feels destined for stardom. The trailer features Laga’aia delivering a stirring rendition of “How Far I’ll Go,” Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Oscar-nominated anthem that defined a generation of young dreamers. Her voice radiates courage and hope—perfectly capturing Moana’s unwavering spirit as she confronts destiny beyond the horizon.
Alongside her, Dwayne Johnson returns to embody the larger-than-life demigod Maui, bringing his signature charm, swagger, and heart back to the role he helped make iconic. Fans are treated to their first look at Johnson’s shape-shifting hero, as well as breathtaking visuals of Motunui, its people, and the mischievous—and still slightly terrifying—Kakamora tribe.
The cast is rounded out with a powerhouse ensemble: John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as the spiritual cornerstone of Moana’s journey, Gramma Tala. Their presence solidifies Disney’s commitment to honoring the cultural roots and emotional depth of the original film.
Kail directs from a script by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, with a producing team stacked with heavy hitters: Dwayne Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Notably, original Moana voice actress Auli’i Cravalho returns in an executive producer role, passing the torch while ensuring the story remains grounded in authenticity and respect.
For Disney, the live-action Moana marks another major move in the studio’s ongoing dedication to reimagining beloved animated properties. Recent successes like Lilo & Stitch and Mufasa: The Lion King have proven that audiences are still eager to revisit cherished worlds in new ways—despite mixed reactions to some entries, like the recent Snow White delay and rework. With Tangled now back in development and momentum building behind its live-action slate, Disney is positioning Moana as its next flagship hit.
With a beloved story, a fresh yet faithful cast, and the creative minds who shaped the original returning behind the scenes, the live-action Moana looks set to make waves, both in theaters and across the global box office. If this first trailer is any indication, fans might want to prepare for yet another unforgettable voyage across the open sea.