Live-action remake of Moana set to sail into cinemas in 2026.
As fans eagerly anticipate the arrival of Moana 2 this November, Disney has given them another reason to celebrate. The beloved animated film is set to receive a live-action remake, slated for release on July 9, 2026. The initial announcement, made by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in April of last year, has since generated considerable excitement and buzz among fans and the film industry alike.
Dwayne Johnson, who originally voiced Maui in the animated film, shared the exciting news on Instagram that he will reprise his role in the upcoming remake. In a heartfelt post, he expressed his deep connection to the story and his excitement about bringing it to life on the big screen, “Deeply humbled to announce we’re bringing the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen!” he wrote. “This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace, mana, and warrior strength. I wear our culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once in a lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me. We’re honoured to partner with Disney Studios to tell our story through the realm of music and dance, which at the core is who we are as Polynesian people.”
More recently, Disney announced just this month that 17-year-old Australian actress Catherine Laga’aia, daughter of actor Jay Laga’aia best known for his role as Captain Gregar Typho in the Star Wars films (Episodes II and III), has been chosen to play the lead role of Moana in the live-action remake.
Catherine Laga’aia (pictured) is set to play Moana in the 2026 live-action remake.
Auli’i Cravalho, the voice of Moana in the animated franchise, took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the new casting and the continuation of Moana’s legacy. “When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career,” she said. “In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.” Cravalho expressed her honour in passing the baton to Laga’aia, celebrating the importance of representation for Pacific Island peoples, cultures, and communities.
Cravalho will remain closely involved with the project however, serving as executive producer in partnership with Dwayne Johnson. Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) who contributed to the original film's memorable soundtrack will also be a producer on the film.
With a talented cast and crew dedicated to honouring the film's cultural roots, the live-action Moana is poised to make a significant impact when it arrives in cinemas in 2026. But until then, fans can look forward to the continuation of Moana's adventurous journey, and the magic of the Pacific Islands in Moana 2 releasing on November 28.