Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Moana” is picking up steam, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson confirming via Instagram that production is set to begin in August. This announcement comes alongside the reveal of key cast members for the highly anticipated remake of the 2016 animated hit.
Johnson will reprise his role as the demigod Maui, while newcomer Catherine Laga’aia has been cast as Moana. Laga’aia expressed her excitement about the role, stating, “I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
The cast is rounded out by John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. Notably, Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original film, will not reprise her role but will serve as a producer alongside Johnson.
This live-action remake represents a quick turnaround for Disney, as “Moana” is the most recent animated film to receive this treatment. The movie is scheduled for release on July 10, 2026, pushed back from its original June 2025 date.
The remake is expected to closely follow the plot of the animated original, with Moana venturing beyond her home island to save her people, encountering the demigod Maui along the way. Jared Bush, who wrote the original screenplay, has returned to adapt the script for live-action alongside Dana Ledoux Miller.
While the ocean-based setting and fantastical elements may present challenges for a live-action adaptation, Disney’s track record with effects-heavy films like “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” suggests they’re up to the task.
This “Moana” remake joins a growing slate of Disney live-action adaptations, including recent releases like “Peter Pan & Wendy” and “The Little Mermaid,” as well as upcoming projects such as “Snow White” and “Mufasa: The Lion King.”
As production gears up to start, fans and industry watchers alike will be keenly following the development of this latest addition to Disney’s live-action remake catalog.