You knew it was coming – Moana is getting a live-action movie as part of the slate of upcoming live-action Disney films, and this is what we know about it so far.
Moana is one of Disney's beloved 2010s features. I have rewatched Moana countless times, so much so that I'm sure everyone around me knows the Lin-Manuel Miranda lyrics.
It was only a matter of time before Moana became the next Disney film to receive the live-action treatment. Surprisingly, the animated movie is getting a live-action remake this close to the original release date since the film only came out in 2016. But regardless, Moana is coming to live-action – and we know plenty about the upcoming movie.
What Is The Moana Live-Action Release Date?
At the time of updating this in July 2024, the Moana live-action remake will release on July 10, 2026, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film was originally supposed to come out as part of the 2025 movie release schedule, but it was pushed back to give Moana 2 “more breathing room.” That film is releasing in November 2024.
I know that secretly, some of us were all wondering if the movie would be released as part of the 2024 movie schedule, and that 2025 didn’t feel that far away but I can understand why it’s being pushed back – as long as the film still looks visually pretty and tells a great story, that’s all I care about.
Disney does already have a few live-action films lined up over the next few years, from the prequel film Mufasa to the live-action version of Lilo & Stitch, so if I have to wait a little bit for Moana, I'm alright with it. God knows we'll have plenty of live-action Disney movies to hold us over until then – with plenty of live-action Disney villains, too!
The Live-Action Moana Cast
While the cast for the live-action Moana was kept under wraps for some time, we now know a good portion of the main cast members that we can expect to see. According to Disney themselves, these are the actors that will appear in the live-action Moana:
Catherine Laga‘aia as Moana
Disney confirmed in June 2024 that newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia will be playing the titular character. The actress said in a statement to Disney that she was “really excited” to play the role, and that she’s "honored for the opportunity:"
I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites. My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.
Originally, Auli'i Cravalho voiced Moana in Moana, but the actress confirmed on her Instagram in May 2023 that she would not return to play the live-action version of Moana. Instead, she'll be working as an executive producer this time around:
It is great to see that she’ll be involved in some way - and I can’t wait to see what Laga‘aia will bring to the table. I’m sure she’ll kill it.
Dwayne Johnson as Maui
Aside from the titular character, Maui in Moana was certainly a scene-stealer. The shapeshifter, voiced by Dwayne Johnson, has become a massive hit with children and adults, from the fun-loving song of "You're Welcome" to the funny animals and combinations that the demigod can shift into.
It must take a heck of a person to portray the live-action version of a demigod, but Johnson is up for the challenge.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter in August 2023, Johnson confirmed that he would return in the live-action, portraying Maui himself. He confirmed this as part of the original announcement for the movie, saying that the story was a part of his culture and he wanted to bring it to life in live-action:
This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people's grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me.
Johnson has appeared in various movies and TV shows over the last few years, with some of his most prominent appearances being Fast X, Black Adam, Red Notice, and more. Moana will only add to the list the number of films this wrestler-turned-actor has been in. He’ll also be voicing Maui in the upcoming Moana 2 once more.
John Tui as Chief Tui
Disney also confirmed three new cast members. The first is John Tui, who will play Moana’s father, Chief Tui. The actor has appeared in shows like Power Rangers S.P.D. as well as Young Rock, where he’s worked with Dwayne Johnson before. He’s also held roles in movies like Hobbs & Shaw, Battleship, Solo: A Star Wars Story and more.
Frankie Adams as Sina
Frankie Adams will be playing Sina, Moana’s mother in Moana. The actress is primarily known for her role in the sci-fi series, The Expanse, but has appeared in other shows such as Wentworth, The Panthers and more.
Rena Owen as Gramma Tala
Lastly, Disney confirmed Rena Owen will play Gramma Tala, a free spirit of sorts and Moana’s grandmother in Moana. The actress has played Taun We in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, but has appeared in several other films including The Last Witch Hunter, Alyce Kills, The Dead Lands, A Mistake and more. She also held a main role in the TV series, Siren.
So far, this cast makes me excited, and I can’t wait to see what they do with it.
What Is The Live-Action Moana About?
You might recall what Moana is about since the film only came out in 2016. However, if you need to remember, that's what I'm here for.
According to the movie's announcement, Moana will be a live-action remake of the animated film of the same name. In the movie, Moana sets out on an adventure across the sea to find the demigod Maui. Once she finds him, her goal is for the powerful being to restore the heart of Te Fiti so her island (which is dying) can survive.
In doing so, she must sail across the great ocean, facing many battles, strange creatures, and trying to find her destiny out on the waves while trying to work together with Maui.
The movie was huge when it was released, grossing $687,228,908 at the worldwide box office, according to Box Office Mojo. As I said, it was only a matter of time before the film received the live-action retelling.
Thomas Kail Will Serve As Director
Announced by The Hollywood Reporter in May 2023, it was confirmed that Thomas Kail would direct the upcoming live-action Moana. It will be his feature film directorial debut.
Kail is primarily known for directing Hamilton, the hit Broadway musical. Kail also directed In the Heights on Broadway as well. Both of these Broadway productions ended up in the film world. In the Heights received a film adaptation, while Hamilton premiered a recorded stage production as one of the best films on Disney+.
This news is also significant because Kail and Lin-Manuel Miranda will be working together on this film, as Disney confirmed Miranda will serve as a producer as well. I’m not sure if we’ll be getting new music for the movie, but we do know that music from the original Moana will be involved – as confirmed by Dwayne Johnson in May 2024 on Instagram when he recorded “You’re Welcome” again for the live-action:
Jared Bush Is Returning To Pen The Screenplay
Jared Bush, the screenwriter for the original Moana film, is returning to pen the screenplay for the live-action version. Bush confirmed the news in a Twitter post, showing his excitement about coming back to the film:
Cheehoo!!! So excited that not only is #Moana LIVE-ACTION happening, but that this story, so close to my heart, will be brought to life by an absolute dream team, including dear friends at Disney Animation, my stunt double @therock, EP @auliicravalho - (now my boss!), members of… pic.twitter.com/Se1wdJk86hApril 3, 2023
Production For The Live-Action Moana Begins In Summer 2024
While we have all this news about who is going to star in the live-action Moana and who is directing it, I’m sure you’re all wondering about when production will begin. Well, we have two confirmations. One is directly from Disney, where they confirmed filming will begin this summer.
Another comes from Johnson himself, who shared the casting news on his Instagram in early July 2024 and said that filming begins specifically in August 2024:
I’ll stick with Disney’s confirmation that filming will begin in the summer overall but I have to say that I’m excited for updates either way, whether they come from Disney or they come from Johnson.
What are you the most excited about regarding the live-action Moana? 2026 seems so far away – can these next two years fly by, please?
