Disney is officially returning to Motunui. The first teaser for the live-action reimagining of Moana has arrived, offering a sweeping, sun-drenched first look at the adventure that helped define a generation of young wayfinders — now reimagined for the big screen.
Newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia steps into the role of Moana, marking her feature debut and introducing audiences to a new interpretation of the beloved heroine who listens when the ocean calls. The teaser opens with a familiar moment: a young Moana encountering the ocean for the very first time. That iconic seashell. The wave that rises. And the gentle pull toward a destiny bigger than the borders of Motunui.
It’s a nod to the 2016 animated film — but with the scale and texture of live action.
A First Look at Maui’s Return
The footage also gives viewers a taste of how this version will bring myth and magic to life. A giant hawk swoops down and transforms into the demigod Maui, with Dwayne Johnson reprising the role that helped make “You’re Welcome” a global earworm. Johnson returns not only as Maui, but also as a producer on the project.
Laga‘aia appears at the end of the teaser, standing tall as the next generation’s wayfinder and delivering the line that defined the character: “I am Moana!”
Alongside Laga‘aia and Johnson, the film stars John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. Auli‘i Cravalho — the original voice of Moana — continues her connection to the story, serving as an executive producer for the live-action film.
The live-action adaptation is directed by Thomas Kail, the Emmy and Tony Award winner behind Hamilton. Kail leads a creative team that includes producers Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia, with Lin-Manuel Miranda also on board.
Mark Mancina returns to score the film, while Jared Bush — one of the original animated film’s screenwriters — teams up with Dana Ledoux Miller to craft the script.
The live-action Moana will sail into theaters July 10, 2026.