Disney has released the first teaser trailer for its live-action adaptation of Moana, arriving ten years after the original animated film. The new version, scheduled for a July 10, 2026 release, offers an updated retelling while staying close to the themes and imagery that defined the 2016 classic.
The story once again follows Moana as she leaves Motunui and sails across the Pacific to reverse a curse linked to the demigod Maui. Rising actress Catherine Laga’aia takes on the lead role, stepping in for Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced the character from 2016 to 2024. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, alongside John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.
The teaser features familiar elements from the original film, including shots of traditional canoes, sweeping views of the island, and an appearance by Heihei. It also offers an early listen to Laga’aia’s performance of “I Am Moana,” signaling Disney’s intent to maintain the musical spirit of the 2016 version.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, who composed songs for the animated film, returns to create new music for the remake. His work on the original earned a Grammy in 2018 for Best Song Written for Visual Media for “How Far I’ll Go.”
Moana (2016) grossed $643.3 million worldwide and became one of Disney’s most successful animated films of the decade. The studio has since expanded the franchise, including the recently released Moana 2.
