Disney has officially launched the first Disney Moana live action trailer, giving fans their first breath taking look at the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved animated classic. The teaser, released in November2025, stars newcomer Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his iconic role as the trickster demigod Maui. The trailer promises a visually stunning and emotionally resonant journey, bringing the vibrant culture and adventurous spirit of the original film to life on the big screen.
A New Wave of Adventure The live-action “Moana” follows the story of Moana, a young wayfinder from the island of Motunui, who answers the Ocean’s call and sets out on an unforgettable voyage beyond the reef. With Maui as her guide, Moana embarks on a quest to restore prosperity to her people, facing challenges that test her courage, wisdom, and connection to her heritage. The trailer showcases breath taking landscapes, dynamic action sequences, and the powerful musical moments that have made “Moana” a fan favorite.
First teaser trailer for Disney’s live-action ‘Moana’ film
In theaters July 10, 2026pic.twitter.com/ijeOoaP4kP— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) November 17, 2025
Catherine Laga’aia: A Fresh Face for Moana Catherine Laga’aia, a17-year-old actress of Samoan descent, brings a new energy to the role of Moana.
In interviews, Laga’aia expressed her excitement and honor at portraying a character who is not only a personal favorite but also a symbol of representation for Pacific Island peoples. “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” Laga’aia said. My grandfather hails from Fa‘aala, Palauli, located in Savai‘i. My grandmother, on the other hand, originates from Leulumoega Tuai on the principal island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I feel privileged to have the chance to honor Samoa and all Pacific Island communities, as well as to represent young girls who share my appearance.
Dwayne Johnson Returns as Maui Dwayne Johnson, who voiced Maui in the original animated film, makes his live-action debut as the shapeshifting demigod. His portrayal of Maui is expected to be both charismatic and powerful, capturing the essence of the character that fans have come to love. Johnson’s return to the role is a significant highlight, as he is the first actor from a Disney animated film to physically portray the same character in a live-action remake.
The Supporting CastThe live-action “Moana” features a talented ensemble cast, including John Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams as Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen as Moana’s revered Gramma Tala. The cast’s diverse backgrounds and strong performances promise to bring authenticity and depth to the story.
Behind the Scenes The film is directed by Emmy and Tony Award winner Thomas Kail, known for his work on “Hamilton.” The screenplay is co-written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, with music by Mark Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda, ensuring that the film’s musical legacy is preserved. The production team includes Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda as producers, with executive producers Thomas Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, and Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated features.
Release Date and Anticipation The live-action “Moana” is set to hit theaters on July10,2026. The release marks the tightest turnaround between an animated Disney film’s original release and its live-action remake, with the original “Moana” being just under10 years old when the new version arrives. Fans can expect a cinematic experience that celebrates the rich culture and adventurous spirit of the Pacific Islands, with a story that resonates across generations.
Conclusion The Disney Moana live action trailer has set the stage for a new chapter in the Moana saga. With Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson leading the cast, a talented ensemble, and a production team dedicated to honoring the original film, the live-action “Moana” promises to be a must-see event for fans of the animated classic and newcomers alike. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for this epic reimagining of a beloved Disney adventure.