First Look: Dwayne Johnson Brings ‘Moana’ to Life in Disney’s Live-Action Teaser
Disney has dropped the first teaser for its upcoming live-action Moana, giving fans their first real look at the new take on the 2016 animated classic. In the trailer, Catherine Lagaʻaia shines as Moana in her film debut, while Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returns as the demigod Maui.
The movie, which is being directed by Thomas Kail, is a musical adventure. The screenplay was written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. Johnson isn’t just acting, he’s also one of the producers, alongside Hiram and Dany Garcia, and Beau Flynn.
Catherine Lagaʻaia, a newcomer, was officially announced as Moana in June 2024. She is paired with a strong supporting cast: John Tui plays her dad, Chief Tui, Frankie Adams is her mother Sina, and Rena Owen plays her grandmother, Gramma Tala.
#Moana, arriving only in theaters July 10, 2026 🌊
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) November 17, 2025
Watch the new teaser now! pic.twitter.com/HTOAJwvzcf
Filming for the movie took place from July to November 2024, in both Atlanta and Hawaii. The film is being made by Walt Disney Studios, together with Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions and FlynnPictureCo.
Originally, Disney planned to release the movie in June of this year, but they later pushed it back to July 10, 2026. According to Disney, that date marks a full decade since the original Moana came out.
The teaser released by Disney shows beautiful island scenes, sweeping ocean shots, and Moana’s first big moments as she steps into her role as wayfinder. In one powerful moment, Lagaʻaia’s Moana sings “I Am Moana,” which should give fans chills.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!