Moana (2026)

Moana — Release Date: 10 July 2026. Directed by Thomas Kail from a screenplay by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film stars Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui, with John Tui, Frankie Adams, Rena Owen, and Jemaine Clement in supporting roles. Produced by Walt Disney Pictures, Seven Bucks Productions, and Flynn Picture Company, the film serves as a live-action adaptation of Disney Animation’s 2016 blockbuster and the first live-action installment in the Moana franchise.

The story follows Moana, the adventurous daughter of Motunui’s chief, who is chosen by the ocean to embark on a voyage beyond her island’s protective reef. Determined to restore balance and secure the future of her people, she joins forces with Maui, a powerful but unpredictable demigod whose abilities and past actions shape the course of their journey. Together, they travel across the Pacific Ocean, encountering mythical creatures, ancient legends, and challenges that test their courage, identity, and connection to their ancestors.

Newcomer Catherine Laga’aia takes on the title role, portraying the young voyager whose determination and leadership drive the narrative. Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as Maui from the animated films, bringing the shape-shifting demigod into live-action for the first time. The supporting cast includes John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, and Jemaine Clement returning as the voice of Tamatoa, the treasure-obsessed crab first introduced in the original film.

The project marks the narrative feature directorial debut of Thomas Kail, best known for his acclaimed work on Hamilton. The screenplay is written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, both of whom were closely involved with the franchise’s animated installments. Longtime Disney collaborators Mark Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda return to contribute to the film’s musical identity, with many of the songs from the original feature adapted for the live-action production.

Filmed across Atlanta and Hawaii, the production combines large-scale practical locations, visual effects, and Polynesian-inspired world-building to recreate the oceanic adventure for a new audience. Released during the franchise’s tenth anniversary year, Moana revisits one of Disney’s most successful modern animated stories while introducing its characters and mythology in live-action form.

The film is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on 10 July 2026 through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.