Disney’s Live-Action Moana and the Future of the Evil Dead Franchise

Disney has officially slated its live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated hit Moana for theatrical release on July 10, 2026, while the Evil Dead horror franchise continues its expansion with a new installment currently in development at New Line Cinema. These projects represent two distinct strategies in modern Hollywood: the continued mining of established animation intellectual property for live-action remakes and the revitalization of long-running horror series through new creative voices.

Disney’s Live-Action Moana Release Details

Disney’s live-action reimagining of Moana is scheduled to hit theaters on July 10, 2026, according to the studio’s official release calendar. The project was originally slated for 2025, but the company shifted the date to accommodate production timelines.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is set to reprise his role as the demigod Maui, appearing in the flesh after voicing the character in the 2016 original. Catherine Laga’aia has been cast in the titular role of Moana. Thomas Kail, known for directing the filmed version of Hamilton, will direct the film. The screenplay is written by Jared Bush, who penned the original animated feature, alongside Dana Ledoux Miller. Johnson is also serving as a producer through his Seven Bucks Productions banner.

Expansion of the Evil Dead Horror Series

The Evil Dead franchise is moving forward with a new feature film, following the commercial success of 2023’s Evil Dead Rise. According to Variety, Sébastien Vaniček, the director behind the French horror film Infested, has been tapped to direct and co-write the upcoming project.

While specific plot details remain under wraps, the film is being developed as a standalone expansion of the universe created by Sam Raimi. Evil Dead Rise, directed by Lee Cronin, grossed over $146 million globally against a $12 million production budget, proving the viability of the franchise even without the direct involvement of original protagonist Ash Williams, played by Bruce Campbell. Raimi and Campbell continue to oversee the brand as producers, ensuring the tone remains consistent with the series’ signature blend of supernatural terror and practical gore.

Industry Context and Strategic Shifts

These two projects highlight how major studios are managing their portfolios in a crowded theatrical market.

* IP Reinvention: Disney’s strategy involves translating proven animated successes into live-action spectacles to capitalize on multi-generational nostalgia.
* Horror Scalability: Horror franchises like Evil Dead operate on a different model, often utilizing lower budgets and emerging directorial talent to achieve high returns on investment.

By continuing to leverage the Evil Dead name, New Line Cinema maintains a consistent presence in the horror genre, which has historically shown resilience at the box office. Meanwhile, Disney’s commitment to the Moana property—which also includes the recent animated sequel Moana 2—underscores the studio’s focus on building expansive “worlds” rather than standalone films.

Both the Moana live-action film and the next Evil Dead chapter are currently in active development, with further casting and production updates expected as release dates approach.