New Moana Trailer Reveals Dwayne Johnson as Demigod Maui

The first trailer for the "Moana" live-action movie is here! And the trailer delivers exactly what the first teaser didn't: we finally get a proper look at Dwayne Johnson as the demigod Maui. Disney also presents the first poster for the adaptation.

The trailer shows the first meeting between Moana (Catherine Laga'aia) and Maui, who also gets to show off his skills. We are also presented with several action sequences. But see for yourself: You can watch the trailer here!

In "Moana", Disney's live action reimagining of the beloved Oscar-nominated animated adventure, Moana answers the Ocean's call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.

The trailer thus provides a first taste of what awaits us on the big screen in the near future. The live-action film adaptation of "Moana" will be shown in cinemas from July 10, 2026.

The Moana phenomenon

In 2016, Disney's animated film "Moana" transported audiences to a vibrant island paradise and became a box office hit. A decade later, attempts are now being made to repeat this success as a live-action adaptation.

The cast of Moana

Auli'i Cravalho, who lent her voice to Moana in the original at the age of just 14, will not return in the remake. Instead, it was announced at the beginning of 2024 that newcomer Catherine Laga'aia will take on the role and make her cinema debut. The return of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has also been confirmed for some time. Johnson already voiced the demigod Maui in the animated films. Rena Owen takes on the role of Gramma Tala, John Tui plays Chief Tui and "The Expanse" star Frankie Adams plays Moana's mother Sina.

The film is directed by Thomas Kail, who previously found great success with the musical "Hamilton". The screenplay is written by Jared Bush, who also worked on the original film and "Moana 2". Most recently, Bush directed the hit film "Zootopia 2".

The Moana animated films

The original "Moana" stood out for blending classic Disney storytelling with a fresh perspective. It follows a young heroine who defies societal expectations to explore the ocean and save her people. At its core, the film is not just an adventure, but also a coming-of-age story that explores identity, responsibility, and the courage to embrace change.

With "Moana 2", Disney continues the story of its brave protagonist, building on the central themes of the first film. The sequel expands the narrative world by introducing new characters and placing greater emphasis on Moana's role as a leader. While the first film focused heavily on an individual hero's journey, the sequel shifts toward themes of community, legacy, and the challenges of leadership.

Both films exemplify Disney's efforts to combine traditional fairy-tale structures with contemporary themes. They respectfully incorporate cultural influences and present strong, independent characters who go beyond the traditional princess archetype. Both films are, of course, available to stream on Disney+.

Does Moana Need a Remake?

As with many Disney live-action adaptations, the question remains whether such a remake is truly necessary. After all, "Moana" is still relatively recent and remains modern in both its storytelling and visual style. Critics have long argued that Disney increasingly relies on established properties and nostalgia rather than developing original stories. Films like "The Lion King", "The Little Mermaid", and "Mulan" have divided audiences.

At the same time, recent developments show that audience interest remains strong. The success of "Lilo & Stitch" and the strong performance of "Moana 2" speak for themselves. Disney is therefore likely optimistic about the upcoming adaptation – even if the debate over the value of such remakes is far from over.