On November 17, 2025, Disney unveiled the first teaser for its live-action remake of Moana, putting Moana live-action firmly in the spotlight. The teaser showcases Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana and confirms Dwayne Johnson back as Maui. The feature is directed by Thomas Kail and is slated to open in U.S. theaters on July 10, 2026. Johnson, 53, shared the first glimpse on Instagram the same day, offering fans a direct look at the big-screen return of Maui.
People details the principal ensemble around the teaser: John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, alongside producing/creative ties from Auliʻi Cravalho and Lin‑Manuel Miranda connected to the original 2016 animated film. Images published with that coverage highlight Lagaʻaia in costume and reiterate the summer 2026 theatrical timing.
Moana live-action official teaser
Cast & Creators (Complete to Date)
- Catherine Lagaʻaia — Moana
- Dwayne Johnson — Maui
- John Tui — Chief Tui
- Frankie Adams — Sina
- Rena Owen — Gramma Tala
- Thomas Kail — Director
- Auliʻi Cravalho — Producer/Executive producer tied to the original
- Lin‑Manuel Miranda — Producer/creative tied to the original’s music
Release Date & Where to Watch
Moana live-action official teaser
The live-action Moana opens on July 10, 2026, a prime summer frame. The initial push is theatrical; a streaming window is not included in the teaser‑cycle reporting. Expect a traditional theatrical run first.
What the Teaser Shows
Coverage describes imagery closely aligned with the 2016 film: the living ocean, the swarm of Kakamora, and Maui’s shapeshifting powered by his magical fish hook. The framing centers Moana’s wayfinding identity and suggests a faithful retelling of her voyage to save her island and embrace her heritage.
Early Reactions (with Quotes)
Reaction pieces landed quickly. At Kotaku, writer Zack Zwiezen argued the teaser “looks like an Unreal Engine fan‑game” and cracked that “making the chicken fully CG is boring and strange. Give me a real chicken, damn it!” The same piece underscores that the film “arrives in theaters on July 10, 2026.”
Over at Gizmodo, Germain Lussier reacted to the footage with, “That sure does look like Moana, doesn’t it? Very on the nose.” The write‑up also lists John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen among the featured cast and nails down the opening on July 10, 2026, positioned between Minions 3 and The Odyssey.
Context: Disney’s Live‑Action Playbook
Moana live-action official teaser
Commentary around the teaser situates it within Disney’s recent string of remakes. References include The Lion King (2019), Snow White, and the 2025 hit Lilo & Stitch. The comparison points surface a central question for this project: how closely should a live‑action version track an animated favorite released less than a decade earlier? Coverage expresses both optimism about family appeal and skepticism about heavy CG.
Why It Matters
With Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui and newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia leading, this remake leans on recognizable music, imagery, and cultural specificity carried over from the original. For families who discovered Moana in 2016—and for kids meeting the story now—the teaser functions as a promise of scope and sentiment. For skeptics, it is the first test of how convincingly the ocean, the islands, and Maui’s shapeshifting can translate to live action without losing the tactile charm of the animated classic.
The Bottom Line
Moana live action sails into theaters on July 10, 2026. The first teaser delivers exactly what a first look should: familiar sights, a clear date, and a canvas for future trailers to expand on songs, stunts, and the scale of Moana and Maui’s voyage.
With a collective experience in film analysis and entertainment journalism, our team, comprised of avid movie buffs, has always been on the frontline of exploring cinematic universes, from the enchanting realms of Disney to the action-packed scenes of the MCU.
Our passion has led us to exclusive interviews with notable figures, early access, and active participation in the industry.
Recognized by the press, we dive deep into various genres, including drama, cartoons, comedy, and foreign films, always eager to bring fresh insights to our readers.
Connect with us or explore our journey to learn more about our adventures in unraveling the magic of the big screen.
