Moana live-action trailer reveals Dwayne Johnson transformation into Maui

Only 10 years after Walt Disney Animation Studios' 2016 film Moana, a new live-action version is set to hit screens in summer 2026.

This new Moana will see Dwayne Johnson reprise his role as Maui from the animated movie in a first for the Disney live-action remakes. Alongside Johnson, Catherine Laga'aia will appear as the titular Moana.

Other cast members include John Tui and Frankie Adams as Moana's parents Chief Tui and Sina, respectively, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, Moana's grandmother.

While Disney's other live-action interpretations of their animated back catalogue – from Jon Favreau's wild 2016 reimagining of The Jungle Book to The Lion King and The Little Mermaid – have been adapted from 2D animated films, Moana marks the first time that a CGI 3D-animated movie will be getting the live-action treatment.

The new movie is co-written by Dana Ledoux Miller and Jared Bush, who is fresh off the back of writing and directing Zootropolis 2, and who co-wrote the original Moana.

Thomas Kail will direct the film, with his most recent collaboration with producer and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda having been a filmed version of the Hamilton stage show in 2020.

One actor not returning is Alan Tudyk as beloved chicken companion Hei Hei, with Screen Rant reporting that someone else will be taking over.

Catherine Laga'ai's casting in the title role was revealed back in 2024, ahead of filming beginning. And now, two years later, the trailer is finally here.

Within the new trailer, fans can see Johnson's live-action Maui and watch the character transform into a number of animals – just like in the original movie. The trailer includes glorious looks at Maui's bird and whale forms, as well as a brand-new shark design.

You can watch the trailer for the new Moana film here:

Moana releases in cinemas on Friday 10 July 2026.

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