Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson are featured prominently in the first trailer for Disney’s live-action adaptation of Moana. Directed by Thomas Kail, this remake of the beloved 2016 animated film is set to premiere in theaters on July 10, 2026.
Star-Studded Cast
The trailer showcases Laga’aia performing the song “How Far I’ll Go,” a beloved track from the original movie. The cast also includes:
- John Tui as Chief Tui, Moana’s father
- Frankie Adams as Sina, Moana’s mother
- Rena Owen as Gramma Tala
Plot Overview
Moana’s journey revolves around a young wayfinder venturing beyond her island of Motunui to save her people. She is joined by Maui, portrayed by Johnson, a shape-shifting demigod. The trailer provides glimpses of Motunui’s inhabitants, including the fierce Kakamora tribe.
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Production Team
Thomas Kail directs the film, based on a script by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. Producers include:
- Dwayne Johnson
- Beau Flynn
- Dany Garcia
- Hiram Garcia
- Lin-Manuel Miranda
Executive producers consist of Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, and Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 version and its forthcoming sequel.
Legacy of the Original Film
The 2016 animated Moana was a critical and commercial success, grossing approximately $643 million globally (equivalent to $870 million today). It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature, while Miranda’s “How Far I’ll Go” was also nominated for an Oscar.
Disney’s Live-Action Trend
Disney continues to prioritize live-action adaptations of its classic animated films. Following the success of the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, the studio restarted development on a new version of Tangled after a brief hiatus. The recent release of Barry Jenkins’ Mufasa: The Lion King also performed well, reinforcing Disney’s strategy in this realm.
