Walt Disney Studios has officially scheduled the live-action adaptation of Moana for theatrical release on July 10, 2026. Produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia through their Seven Bucks Productions banner, the film features Auliʻi Cravalho—who voiced the character in the 2016 animated original—serving as an executive producer. The project aims to bring the Pacific Islander folklore and the story of the titular voyager to a new medium, with Catherine Lagaʻaia cast in the lead role of Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as the demigod Maui.
Who Is Starring in the Live-Action Moana?
The production team conducted a global casting search to find the lead actor, eventually selecting Australian-born newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia. According to official casting announcements from Walt Disney Studios, Lagaʻaia was chosen for her ability to embody the character’s strength, curiosity, and emotional depth.
Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, the demigod of the wind and sea. Johnson, who provided the voice for the character in the animated film, has emphasized his commitment to the physical transformation required for the role, including the use of elaborate prosthetics and a rigorous training regimen to match the character’s stature. Joining them are John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.
Who Is Directing the Adaptation?
Thomas Kail, best known for directing the original Broadway production of Hamilton, is helming the live-action Moana. Kail’s involvement marks his first major feature film directing credit. He is collaborating with producer and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, who returns to contribute to the music of the film.
In a press statement regarding the production, Kail noted the importance of authenticity in the storytelling, particularly regarding Pacific Islander culture. The production has worked closely with a cultural advisory board, including experts in Polynesian history, dance, and traditional practices, to ensure the film honors the heritage that inspired the original animated story.
How Does the Live-Action Film Differ From the Original?
While the live-action project follows the core narrative of the 2016 animated feature—which grossed over $680 million worldwide—the creative team has stated that the new version will incorporate deeper explorations of the cultural themes present in the source material.
The film explores the journey of a young woman who defies the traditions of her village to save her people, a narrative that resonated globally upon its initial release. By shifting from animation to live-action, the studio aims to provide a more tactile experience of the oceanic setting. The production team has utilized extensive location scouting and cultural consultation to replicate the visual language of the Pacific Islands, moving beyond the stylized aesthetic of the animated original.
Production Timeline and Development
The project was officially announced by Dwayne Johnson in April 2023. Development moved rapidly, with the studio prioritizing the recruitment of a creative team that had personal or professional ties to the Pacific Islander community.
Production was impacted by the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which caused a temporary halt in filming. However, the production resumed in early 2024. The delay resulted in the studio shifting the release date from its original 2025 target to the current July 2026 window to allow for comprehensive post-production work, specifically regarding the film’s extensive visual effects, which are intended to bring the ocean and supernatural elements of the story to life.
Key Details at a Glance
- Release Date: July 10, 2026
- Director: Thomas Kail
- Lead Actor: Catherine Lagaʻaia
- Producer/Star: Dwayne Johnson
- Studio: Walt Disney Pictures