Disney Drops First Look at Live Action Moana

Disney has released the first teaser for its live action Moana, sparking excitement and debate online.

Dwayne Johnson returns as the demigod Maui, while newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia stars as the brave wayfinder Moana.

The one-minute teaser revisits some of the most memorable scenes from the 2016 animated hit.

It shows young Moana meeting the ocean for the first time and features the lush Polynesian island of Motunui.

Real locations are combined with advanced visual effects, making the ocean and landscapes look strikingly alive.

Lagaʻaia delivers a powerful performance of I Am Moana Song of the Ancestors, earning praise for both her voice and cultural authenticity.

Johnson appears briefly, showing Maui changing from a beetle into human form and then flying off a cliff as a giant eagle.

Most of Maui’s abilities remain a mystery, leaving fans eager for more details in upcoming trailers.

The supporting cast includes John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen.

Original Moana voice actress Auliʻi Cravalho serves as an executive producer, while Lin-Manuel Miranda returns to update his original songs, including How Far I Will Go.

A new poster shows Lagaʻaia standing before giant waves with Maui’s eagle form in the background, hinting at the adventure to come.

Fans reacted quickly online. Many praised the film for highlighting Polynesian culture and delivering impressive visuals.

Others questioned why Disney is remaking a film that is still fresh in viewers’ minds, especially after Moana 2 premiered in 2024.

The live action Moana is set to hit theaters on July 10, 2026.

By combining real Pacific locations with cutting-edge effects, Disney aims to bring the ocean and its characters to life in one of its most ambitious remakes yet.