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The 2016 animated Disney movie Moana is a global success, as it grossed $687.2 million at the worldwide box office.
Also, it was the most-streamed movie on Disney+ from 2020 to 2024, resulting in The Wall Street Journal calling it “the No.1 movie in streaming history.”
Due to its popularity, it might have seemed inevitable that the much-loved flick would have a live-action version.
As you may have hoped, WWE wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will reprise his role as Maui, as his talents on-screen have recently led to Best Actor buzz for the upcoming Academy Awards.
If you cannot wait to see it, here is everything you need to know about the live-action version of Moana, including its 2026 release date, plot, cast, director, and more.
What is the Release Date for the Live-Action Moana?
The live-action Moana is scheduled for an international theatrical release date on July 10, 2026.
However, it will be released a day earlier on July 9, 2026, in some countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Germany, and Brazil.
What’s the Plot?
The live-action version is expected to have the same premise as the 2016 animated movie.
It will follow Polynesian princess Moana as she embarks on a dangerous journey across Oceania in the hope of saving her people. However, she encounters new friends and enemies during the adventure while discovering who she is along the way.
Who Stars in the Film?
Australian actress Catherine Laga’aia, who has Samoan heritage, will take on the lead role of Moana.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who shot to fame as a WWE wrestler, will provide the live-action version of Maui, whom he voiced in the animated original and its sequel, Moana 2. Also, he serves as a producer on the live-action flick.
New Zealand actor John Tui (Young Rock) will play Moana’s father, Chief Tui, and Frankie Adams (The Expanse) will play her mother, Sina.
Also, Rene Owen (Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones) will play Gramma Tala, who is Sina’s mother and Moana’s grandmother.
Who Directed It?
Thomas Kail directed the live-action adaptation of Moana. He is best known for directing various off-Broadway and Broadway productions, including Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musicals In the Heights and Hamilton.
Also, he directed the hit 2019 TV series Fosse/Verdon and two episodes of We Were the Lucky Ones.
Who Wrote the Moana (2026) Screenplay?
Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller wrote the screenplay for Moana (2026), which is inspired by Bush’s Moana (2016) screenplay.
Bush is best known for writing and directing Zootopia (2016), Encanto (2021), and Zootopia 2 (2025).
Ledoux Miller is best known for writing and producing various episodes of Designated Survivor, and she served as a story editor on The Newsroom and Narcos.
When and Where Was It Filmed?
Filming started on the live-action Moana on July 29, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia, the United States, and it was reported that the movie wrapped on November 22, 2024, in Hawaii. Production had the working title Canon.
Can I Watch an Official Trailer for the Live-Action Moana?
You’ll need to wait a little longer to watch the official trailer for the live-action Moana. It is likely to drop on YouTube closer to its July 2026 release date.
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