Disney is preparing to sail back into the Pacific with Moana in live-action form. The studio confirmed the project is in production, with a release date slated for July 10, 2026.
The film’s debut was moved from 2025 to give the team more time to refine the adaptation and to follow up on the massive success of Moana 2 (2024), which earned over $1 billion globally. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who originally voiced Maui, returns both as producer and performer, bringing his personal connection and Polynesian heritage to the retelling.
Johnson, who announced the project in April 2023, explained that the film would “celebrate the islands, communities, and traditions of Pacific Islanders” while revisiting beloved characters including 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,” he said.
Thomas Kail, acclaimed for Hamilton, is making his feature film directorial debut with Disney. His background in theater is expected to bring a grounded, intimate perspective to the adventure on the high seas. Jared Bush, co-writer of the original, and Dana Ledoux Miller, emphasize that the live-action format will heighten the story’s “visceral nature” and “human vulnerability.” Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mark Mancina are returning to ensure the music maintains the spirit of the original film.
Cultural representation is central to the production. Johnson stressed that the story reflects “my culture — emblematic of our people’s grace, mana, and warrior strength.” Filming reportedly took place on location in Hawaii and other Pacific islands to capture the authentic landscape and spirit of the region.
Catherine Laga‘aia will portray Moana in her first major role, while Auliʻi Cravalho, the original voice of the character, transitions to an executive producer role. “It is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell,” Cravalho explained. The supporting cast features John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother Sina, and Rena Owen as Grandma Tala, all actors of Pacific Islander heritage.
Though the remake follows the familiar story—a young woman’s ocean voyage to restore Te Fiti’s heart—the live-action version is expected to offer a more physical and emotionally grounded experience. The filmmakers are leaning on practical effects, authentic ocean cinematography, and human performances. Dana Ledoux Miller added that this realism will “give the movie a real human vulnerability that will make it feel fresh.”
With filming wrapped, Johnson shared his reflections on the journey in The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast (via SFF Gazette): “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. “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 continued, “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,” and added, “I spent an entire week shooting ‘You’re Welcome,’ and the singing and the choreography is crazy.”
As one of Disney’s cornerstone franchises, Moana carries a loyal following across generations. While some fans question the timing of a remake following the animated sequel, Disney’s live-action strategy has previously succeeded with films like Aladdin (2019) and The Lion King (2019). But, of course, that hasn’t always been the case.
Done right, Moana (2026) could honor the original while celebrating the Pacific cultures at its heart, with Johnson and a fresh cast leading the voyage.
