Moana Remake (2026) – Live-Action Movie Preview
Here you'll find everything you need to know about the live-action adaptation of the beloved princess
In 2016, Disney's animated film "Moana" transported us to a colorful island paradise and brought tropical vibes to cinemas worldwide. The journey of the young chief's daughter was a resounding success, grossing over $600 million at the global box office. The movie even earned two Oscar nominations. Now, almost 10 years later, Disney wants to repeat that success: a "Moana" live-action adaptation is in the making! Here's everything you need to know about the cast, the creative team, and the big question: do we even need a remake?
The Story of Moana in Live-Action
The original story follows the headstrong heroine who leaves her home island in search of a cure for a plague threatening her land. She is supported by the rooster Hei Hei and the pig Pua. Along the way, she also encounters the demigod Maui, experiences magical moments, and learns important lessons about courage and self-confidence. At its core, it's a classic Disney story that will be adapted one-to-one for the live-action movie adaptation.
Who Will Play the Iconic Roles?
One of the burning questions about the project was, of course: who will play Moana in the remake? Auli'i Cravalho, just 14 years old at the time, voiced Disney's very first Polynesian princess in the animated movie. However, she will not be returning for the live-action version. In January 2024, it was announced: a new Moana has been found! Dwayne Johnson revealed in an interview that a worldwide casting search produced a promising choice: Catherine Laga'aia, who will make her screen debut in the role.
Speaking of Dwayne Johnson: he himself will once again take on the role of the demigod Maui! He shared the exciting news back in April 2023 on his X (formerly Twitter) account in a moving announcement video, filmed with his daughters on a picturesque Hawaiian beach. This suggests that the project holds a personal significance for the Hollywood star. Johnson has often cited his grandfather, Samoan wrestling chief Peter Maivia, as his inspiration for the charismatic demigod.
The role of Gramma Tala, Moana's grandmother, will be played by New Zealander Rena Owen. Moana's father, Chief Tui, will also be portrayed by someone from New Zealand, who happens to share a name with his role: actor John Tui. Moana's mother, Sina, will be played by Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams.
As you can see: apart from Dwayne Johnson, Disney is focusing less on stars and more on an authentic Polynesian cast.
Production & Release Date
Directing the remake is Thomas Kail, known for his work on the successfull musical "Hamilton". The screenplay is being written by Jared Bush, who already worked on the original movie and the sequel "Moana 2". Music will once again play a major role. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creative mind behind "Hamilton" and the songwriter for Disney's "Encanto", is on board. Whether the remake will feature brand-new songs remains unclear, but based on past Disney live-action adaptations, it's a strong possibility.
Another highlight will be the breathtaking Hawaiian scenery: white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush exotic vegetation, real-world beauty competing with the animated original's fantasy setting. The result will be unveiled soon: the "Moana" live-action remake is set to release on July 10, 2026, perfectly timed for the original movie's 10th anniversary.
Do We Really Need a Moana Remake?
As always, the question arises: do we really need a live-action remake? Especially for such a recent film, which is still cutting-edge in both story and visual style. For years, critics have accused Disney of leaning too heavily on nostalgia and safe box-office returns with its flood of live-action remakes, instead of developing new original stories. Projects like "The Lion King", "The Little Mermaid", and "Mulan" have divided the fan base, while some praised the technical achievements and new interpretations, others considered the remakes unnecessary or inferior to their animated predecessors.
After the recent success of the "Lilo & Stitch" remake, however, Disney is likely optimistic about the new "Moana" adaptation. The animated sequel "Moana 2" also proved that audience interest remains sky-high: it grossed over $1 billion at the global box office, nearly double the first movie's total.
