Disney has officially delayed the live-action remake of Moana, moving its theatrical release date from June 27, 2025, to July 10, 2026. The studio confirmed the shift as part of a broader adjustment to its upcoming production calendar, ensuring additional time for the project’s development. Dwayne Johnson is set to reprise his role as the demigod Maui, while Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 animated original, will serve as an executive producer.
Production Timeline and Release Shift
The decision to push the Moana live-action film into the summer of 2026 marks a significant adjustment for Walt Disney Studios. Originally slated for a mid-2025 debut, the project is now positioned for a July 10, 2026, release. According to official Disney scheduling updates, the studio frequently adjusts release windows to align with post-production requirements and competitive market positioning.
The live-action feature will mirror the narrative of the 2016 animated hit, which followed the journey of a young navigator from the island of Motunui. While production schedules for high-budget fantasy films are subject to change, the 2026 date provides the creative team, led by director Thomas Kail, more room to manage the complex visual effects required to bring the Pacific Island setting to life.
Cast and Creative Leadership
Dwayne Johnson remains the centerpiece of the project, not only starring as Maui but also producing through his company, Seven Bucks Productions. In a statement released by Disney, Johnson emphasized the importance of honoring the Polynesian culture and the original animated characters.
Auliʻi Cravalho, who provided the voice for Moana in the original film, is involved as an executive producer. While Cravalho will not reprise the role of Moana on screen, she has stated that her involvement ensures the transition from animation to live-action maintains the spirit of the original story. The film’s script is being penned by Jared Bush, who wrote the original animated feature, alongside Dana Ledoux Miller.
Contextualizing the Disney Live-Action Strategy
The Moana remake is part of a long-standing initiative by Disney to adapt its modern animated library into live-action formats. This strategy follows the commercial success of previous remakes, such as The Little Mermaid (2023) and Aladdin (2019).
| Film Title | Original Release | Live-Action Remake |
|---|---|---|
| Aladdin | 1992 | 2019 |
| The Little Mermaid | 1989 | 2023 |
| Moana | 2016 | 2026 (Expected) |
The proximity of the live-action remake to the release of Moana 2—the animated sequel hitting theaters in November 2024—reflects Disney’s focus on expanding the franchise’s footprint. By spacing these releases, the studio aims to sustain audience interest in the Moana intellectual property across both theatrical animation and live-action formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is directing the live-action Moana?
Thomas Kail, known for his work on the filmed version of Hamilton, is directing the project.
Is Auliʻi Cravalho playing Moana in the live-action version?
No. While Cravalho is serving as an executive producer for the film, the casting for the lead role of Moana is being handled as a separate search for a new performer to portray the character.
Will the live-action film feature the same music?
The production has confirmed that the film will celebrate the music of the original, which featured contributions from Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina.