The Walt Disney Company has released the full trailer for its live-action MoanaOffers the first detailed look at Dwayne Johnson as Maui. The previews released ahead of the film’s July 10, 2026 debut have quickly drawn attention for reintroducing the deity in a live-action format.

The trailer also introduces Catherine LaGaia as Moana, setting the tone for the remake which coincides with the tenth anniversary of the original animated film. With familiar scenes recreated and new scenes teased, the footage has sparked widespread discussion among viewers.

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Who is playing Maui and Moana in the live-action movie?

Johnson reprises his role as Maui, a character he originally voiced in the 2016 animated version. Her appearance in the trailer, with long wavy hair, has become a major talking point after its release.

Katherine Lagaia stepped into the lead role of Moana, with John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.

What does the trailer reveal about the story?

The live-action adaptation closely follows the original plot, with Moana embarking on a journey beyond the reef after being chosen by the ocean. Maui joins him as they work to restore balance and protect his island.

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Key moments from the animated film are recreated, with the trailer featuring a mix of action sequences, character interactions and musical elements.

Who is behind the film?

The project is directed by Thomas Kail, with a screenplay by Jared Bush and Dana LeDoux Miller. The production team includes Johnson, Danny Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The trailer highlights a mix of real-world locations and visual effects, reflecting Disney’s approach to re-imagining its animated titles in live action. With its release date yet to be determined, Moana is expected to be one of the studio’s major theatrical productions in 2026.