Moana isn’t just getting a sequel — it’s also coming to life! Dwayne Johnson confirmed the 2016 Disney hit Moana would get a live-action remake in April 2023, and that he would be reprising his role as Maui, Moana’s demigod sidekick. In June 2024, Disney confirmed the cast of the movie, with Australia native Catherine Laga‘aia slated to star in the title role. The film, which will be released on July 10, 2026, has Johnson producing alongside original music writer Lin-Manuel Miranda and the original Moana star Auli‘i Cravalho. “Deeply humbled to announce we’re bringing the beautiful story of MOANA to the live action big screen!” Johnson wrote in the caption of his Instagram announcement in April 2023. “This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace, mana and warrior strength,” he continued. “I wear our culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once in a lifetime opportunity to reunite with MAUI, inspired by the spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me.” From who is starring in the cast to when it will be released, here’s everything to know about the Moana live-action movie. When will the Moana live-action movie be released? In June 2024, Disney confirmed that the Moana live-action will be released in theaters on July 10, 2026, with production kicking off that summer. The news came after Johnson confirmed a live-action movie was being made in April 2023 with a sweet Instagram video featuring his two younger daughters, Tiana and Jasmine. “We are so excited and happy to announce that a live-action reimagining of Moana is in the works,” he said in the video, promising the return of all the important elements of the movie, including “Gramma Tala, the music, the dance, Te Fiti, Pua the pig, the village” and “the beautiful, powerful ocean.” Johnson also confirmed he would be reprising his role as Maui on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in November 2023, breaking out into his famous song from the movie, “You’re Welcome.” Who is in the cast? Disney announced in June 2024 that Sydney, Australia, native Catherine Laga’aia would take on the role of Moana. “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” Laga’aia said, in a release obtained by PEOPLE. “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 honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me,” she added. Joining her in the cast are a group of New Zealand and Samoan natives, including John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother, Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 animated movie, confirmed she would not be returning to play the titular role in the live-action in May 2023, but said in an Instagram video that she was excited to “pass the baton.” “I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell,” she said. “So, as an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength.” Cravalho continued, “I am truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honor our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures and communities that helped inspire her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come.” Cravalho is, however, returning to voice Moana again in the sequel, out in November 2024. What is the Moana live-action movie about? Though no details have been revealed about the plot of the movie, it will likely follow the original story of the 2016 film. Johnson confirmed that many fan-favorite characters were coming back, including Moana’s pet chicken Heihei. “Moana will bring to life in a whole new way the story of a young woman eager to pave her own path,” per the June 2024 press release. Who is directing the Moana live-action movie? Moana will be directed by Thomas Kail, who also worked on Hamilton on Broadway and Disney+. His previous work also includes Grease Live and the first and last episodes of Hulu’s limited series We Were the Lucky Ones. “I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John through this casting process,” Kail said in the release. “I am humbled by this opportunity, and I cannot wait to all be on set together. And there’s no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne — actually, trio: Heihei is ready, too.” On the producer team are Johnson, Cravalho and Miranda as well as Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia. Where can I watch Moana? The original 2016 film is available to stream on Disney+, while the live-action will be available to watch in theaters in July 2026. In the meantime, the sequel, Moana 2, will be released in theaters on Nov. 27, 2024.
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