Moana: Everything we know about Disney's live-action remake including release date, cast & plot
Moana is back for another installment as the newest inductee into the Disney princesses gets the live-action treatment.
Disney announced in 2023 that its mega-hit animated franchise would be getting the live-action treatment following the huge success of the 2016 blockbuster. The announcement came even before Moana 2, the second film in the animated series, hit screens and achieved even bigger box office success than its predecessor.
The animated blockbusters, which topped box offices across the world, is the latest in a string of live-action Disney remakes, with the famous studio releasing live-action versions of The Lion King, Lilo & Stitch, and Snow White among many others in recent years.
As fans gear up for a new Moana film, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Moana (2026) about?
Moana (2026) will follow the same story as the 2016 film of the same name. The story follows Polynesian teenager Moana, who is tasked with returning the Heart of Te Fiti, to the goddess Te Fiti in a bid to save her island. On her journey, she meets trickster demigod Maui, who helps her to become a master way-finder, while the duo also encounter hiccups along their journey.
When is Moana out?
The new live-action film will hit cinemas on July 10, 2026.
Who in in Moana?
The lead role of Moana will be played by Catherine Laga'aia. Voice lead Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in both animated films, declined the opportunity to appear in the live-action film because she wanted to pass the opportunity of playing the Disney princess to another young woman of Pacific Island descent.
Laga’aia will be joined by Moana alum Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as Maui. The actor previously voiced the character in both Moana and Moana 2.
Other casting we know about so far includes:
- John Tui as Chief Tui
- Frankie Adams as Sina
- Rena Owen as Gramma Tala