Disney has released a new trailer for its live-action Moana, giving audiences their first extended look at Dwayne Johnson physically stepping into Maui—this time bringing the fan-favorite demigod to life on screen after originally voicing the character in 2016.
The trailer, which dropped March 23, shows Johnson fully transformed with Maui’s signature long hair and detailed tattoos, marking the evolution of a role he’s already made iconic—just now in live action.
A Familiar Story, Reimagined in Live Action
The upcoming film centers on Moana, a determined teenager who sets out on a journey to save her island of Motunui. Newcomer Catherine Laga’aia leads the film as Moana, bringing a fresh face to a character that became a cultural staple nearly a decade ago.
The trailer highlights familiar elements from the original—Moana’s singing, sweeping ocean visuals, and even the return of Tamatoa—while positioning the remake as both nostalgic and newly scaled for live action.
Johnson, now stepping into the role physically, appears fully immersed in Maui’s world. But the visual shift from animation to live action has audiences split, with some praising the commitment to authenticity and others questioning whether the magic translates the same way.
The Team Behind the Remake
Directed by Thomas Kail, the film brings together a mix of returning and new creatives. The screenplay comes from Dana Ledoux Miller and Jared Bush, who also worked on the original film.
Music remains a key anchor, with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina, and Opetaia Foa’i returning to shape the film’s sound. Auli’i Cravalho, who originally voiced Moana, is also attached as an executive producer.
The cast rounds out with John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen, grounding the story in Pacific Islander representation—a key element that helped define the original film’s impact.
The Bigger Conversation Around Disney’s Remake Era
The live-action Moana arrives less than 10 years after the original’s release—a notably quick turnaround compared to Disney’s past remake cycle. That timing alone has fueled ongoing discussions about the studio’s reliance on existing IP.
Still, if history is any indication, audience turnout may tell a different story. Disney’s live-action adaptations continue to perform at the box office, regardless of early skepticism.
And for Johnson, the film reinforces his position in blockbuster territory—even as he explores more dramatic roles elsewhere. Moana keeps him rooted in the kind of global, family-friendly franchise that has defined much of his career.
What This Means Moving Forward
Whether the live-action Moana becomes another billion-dollar success or a more divisive entry in Disney’s remake catalog, one thing is clear: the studio is doubling down on recognizable stories with built-in audiences.
For newcomers like Laga’aia, the film could be a breakout moment. And for Johnson, it’s a return to one of his most beloved roles—this time in a much more visible way.
Moana hits theaters on July 10, 2026.