Lead: Disney released the first trailer for its live-action adaptation of Moana, unveiling Catherine Lagaʻaia as the title wayfinder and Dwayne Johnson returning as the demigod Maui. The remake, directed by Thomas Kail from a script by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, is scheduled to reach theaters on July 10, 2026. The preview features Lagaʻaia performing the song “How Far I’ll Go,” a central piece from the 2016 animated original. The footage also shows core characters and elements from Motunui, signaling a faithful but reimagined translation to live action.
Key Takeaways
- Trailer debut: Disney published the first full trailer for the live-action Moana, showcasing Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui.
- Release date: The film is set to open in theaters on July 10, 2026, positioning it for the summer box-office window.
- Song inclusion: The trailer includes a performance of “How Far I’ll Go,” the Oscar-nominated song from the 2016 film written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and collaborators.
- Supporting cast: John Tui plays Chief Tui, Frankie Adams is Sina, and Rena Owen appears as Gramma Tala in the live-action ensemble.
- Creative team: Thomas Kail directs; producers include Dwayne Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia and Lin-Manuel Miranda; Auli‘i Cravalho is credited as an executive producer.
- Legacy context: The 2016 animated Moana earned $643 million worldwide at the time (about $870 million when adjusted to today’s dollars).
- Franchise strategy: The trailer arrives amid Disney’s continued focus on live-action remakes following mixed recent results for the studio in that slate.
Background
The original Moana, released in 2016, combined Polynesian storytelling with a score that included the Oscar-nominated “How Far I’ll Go,” helping it become both a critical and commercial success. Dwayne Johnson first voiced Maui in that animated film opposite Auli‘i Cravalho’s Moana; the 2016 picture later generated roughly $643 million worldwide, a figure often cited when Disney evaluates follow-up projects. The property retained cultural visibility through a 2024 theatrical sequel and ongoing merchandise and theme-park presence.
Disney has pursued live-action adaptations of its animated library for much of the 2020s, varying from broad commercial hits to titles that underperformed relative to expectations. The studio recently restarted development on a Tangled remake after pausing it earlier in the year, citing strategic recalibrations following the tepid box-office of some high-profile releases. At the same time, live-action efforts such as Lilo & Stitch and the prequel Mufasa: The Lion King have shown that remakes can still deliver significant returns when they connect with audiences.
Main Event
The newly released trailer centers on Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) as she prepares to leave Motunui to save her people, with key scenes of voyaging and island life intercut with action beats featuring Maui (Dwayne Johnson). The footage reintroduces the Kakamora—the coconut-armored tribe of villains—and highlights set design and costuming aimed at rendering Motunui’s community in live action. Lagaʻaia is shown performing the well-known anthem “How Far I’ll Go,” signaling the film’s intent to preserve musical throughlines from the animated original.
Thomas Kail, the director, leads a creative team that includes writers Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller; Kail’s approach appears to balance reverence for the source material with cinematic spectacle. The cast list adds John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala—roles that anchor the protagonist’s family and cultural network. Production credits attach several high-profile producers, among them Lin-Manuel Miranda, who co-wrote songs for the original film and now serves in a producing capacity.
Technically, the trailer suggests extensive location and effects work to recreate nautical sequences and the shape-shifting visuals for Maui. Visual effects shots emphasize transformation and scale, while practical sets and costumes emphasize community detail on Motunui. The teaser’s pacing and choice of moments—musical reprise, character reveals, and brief action glimpses—are designed to reassure fans that the live-action will keep the original’s core beats while offering new interpretations.
Analysis & Implications
Disney’s decision to adapt Moana into live action reflects a broader strategy to monetize well-known IP across formats. The property’s strong brand recognition and the original’s box-office track record make it an attractive candidate for a costly summer release. Placing the film on July 10, 2026 positions it to compete in a crowded tentpole season, where marketing momentum and franchise familiarity can translate to large opening-weekend returns.
Creative stewardship matters: having Thomas Kail direct and Lin-Manuel Miranda attached in a producing role signals an effort to retain the musical and cultural DNA that defined the 2016 film. Still, translating an animated, culturally specific story into live action raises questions about authenticity, casting choices, and the balance between spectacle and cultural respect. The inclusion of Polynesian actors in lead and supporting roles speaks to efforts at cultural representation, but public and critical reaction will probe how faithfully cultural elements are handled on screen.
From a commercial standpoint, the trailer’s positive reception could boost advance awareness, which matters more now that streaming windows and theatrical exclusives are increasingly strategic choices for studios. If Moana repeats the success of earlier live-action wins (or surpasses the adjusted $870 million benchmark for the original), it will reinforce Disney’s remake playbook; a weaker result would add pressure to pivot away from costly remakes or to moderate production scales and release strategies.
Comparison & Data
| Title | Original Worldwide Gross | Adjusted (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Moana (2016) | $643,000,000 | $870,000,000 |
| Lilo & Stitch (live-action) | — (recent hit) | — |
| Mufasa: The Lion King (prequel) | Strong debut (2024) | — |
Box-office figures for the 2016 Moana are well-established; the adjusted figure reflects present-dollar comparisons commonly used by industry analysts. By contrast, results for other recent Disney live-action entries have varied, demonstrating that brand recognition alone no longer guarantees uniform box-office outcomes. The table underscores Moana’s high-water mark among Disney’s IP remakes and the challenge for new adaptations to match or exceed past performance.
Reactions & Quotes
Industry observers and fans responded quickly to the trailer’s debut, noting both the visual fidelity to the original and the fresh presence of a new Moana lead. Early commentary focused on whether the live-action format would deepen the story’s themes or rely primarily on spectacle.
“The trailer offers the first full look at Motunui’s islanders, Maui’s transformations and the Kakamora’s intimidating designs.”
Official trailer/Disney
Critics and cultural commentators will scrutinize performance and representation when the film draws nearer to release; such scrutiny has shaped responses to prior Disney remakes. Fan reaction on social platforms emphasized excitement over seeing the song “How Far I’ll Go” performed in live action, while also raising questions about tonal shifts and new character interpretations.
“A live-action rendition of a beloved animated story invites both nostalgia and fresh expectations for character depth and cultural authenticity.”
Film industry commentator
Unconfirmed
- No official streaming-window or Disney+ premiere date has been announced; distribution beyond the July 10, 2026 theatrical release remains unconfirmed.
- Trade speculation about reshoots or additional musical numbers has circulated on social platforms but lacks verification from production sources.
- Precise budget figures for the live-action production have not been publicly disclosed at this time.
Bottom Line
Disney’s first trailer for the live-action Moana reintroduces a high-profile IP with recognizable musical touchstones and a cast that mixes established stars and Polynesian actors. The July 10, 2026 release date sets expectations for a major theatrical push in a competitive summer market. How well the film balances spectacle with cultural fidelity will shape critical reception and, ultimately, box-office performance.
For industry watchers, the film is a test of whether Disney can continue to convert animated hits into profitable live-action tentpoles without diluting the elements that made the originals successful. Fans should expect more promotional rollout, reviews, and clarifications on distribution windows as the release approaches.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter (Entertainment news; original reporting and trailer coverage)
- Box Office Mojo — Moana (2016) (Box-office data)