Disney's 'Moana' Live-Action Film Set for July 2026 Release; Teaser Unveiled

Disney's beloved animated adventure 'Moana' is officially making its leap to live-action, with the film slated for a July 2026 release.

On the 18th, Disney confirmed the theatrical debut of the live-action 'Moana,' directed by Thomas Kail, and treated fans to a captivating teaser poster and trailer.

The teaser poster immediately grabs attention with a striking visual of Moana's hand reaching out across the crest of a wave. Coupled with the tagline, "A destined voyage, unfolding with breathtaking reality," it ignites curiosity about Moana's journey of self-discovery.

The accompanying teaser trailer showcases Catherine Laga'ia's remarkable transformation into Moana, alongside stunning ocean vistas and enchanting music that promise a feast for the senses. The melodic score and the fantastical visuals of the island and sea, which form the backdrop of the story, heighten anticipation for the vivid cinematic experience that awaits.

Lines from the trailer, such as "The ocean is calling me" and "Someday I'll know how far I'll go," harmonize with Moana's determined spirit as she embarks on her voyage through breathtaking nature, further intensifying the intrigue surrounding the adventures to come.

The original 'Moana' animated films garnered immense global popularity, with the first installment attracting 2.31 million viewers in South Korea and grossing approximately $640 million worldwide. 'Moana 2' further solidified its success, drawing 3.55 million domestic viewers and achieving a global box office revenue of around $1.05 billion, even ranking as the fourth highest-grossing film at the North American box office in 2024.

Ever since the live-action adaptation was announced, fans worldwide have eagerly awaited its arrival. Notably, Catherine Laga'ia, whose grandparents hail from the islands of Savai'i and Samoa – the film's setting – has been cast as Moana, boasting an uncanny resemblance to the character. Adding to the excitement, Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as Maui from the animated features. Auli'i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original film, joins the project as an executive producer, much to the delight of animation enthusiasts. Furthermore, the directorial reins have been taken up by Thomas Kail, the acclaimed director behind the Broadway musical 'Hamilton,' which swept the 70th Tony Awards in 2016, raising expectations for the musical numbers within 'Moana.'

Korean netizens expressed overwhelming excitement upon hearing the news of the live-action 'Moana,' with comments like, "So excited! Catherine Laga'ia's resemblance is incredible," "So happy to see Dwayne Johnson as Maui again," and "The OST looks like it will be amazing, can't wait to watch it."