Disney Releases Trailer for Live-Action Moana

Disney has unveiled the full trailer for its live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated hit Moana, spotlighting Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as the demigod Maui alongside newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia as the title character. The film, directed by Thomas Kail, is scheduled for theatrical release on July 10, 2026.

The trailer, released on Monday, offers a glimpse into the story set in ancient Polynesia, where a curse brought by Maui threatens Moana's island home of Motunui. Guided by the ocean, the young chief's daughter ventures beyond the reef to find the trickster demigod and restore the heart of Te Fiti, aiming to save her people and their way of life. Footage depicts Moana's journey with her grandmother's encouragement, encounters with shapeshifting Maui, and challenges including treacherous seas, volcanic threats, and creatures like the Kakamora pirates and the crab Tamatoa. Johnson's portrayal features the character's distinctive tattoos and transformations, such as into a whale, bird, and hammerhead shark, while live-action elements like a realistic Hei Hei rooster and Pua the pig add familiarity for fans of the original.

The cast also includes John Tui as Chief Tui,...