NewKerala.com

Moana Live-Action Trailer Reveals New Star Amid Dwayne Johnson Return

The first trailer for the live-action Moana remake has officially dropped. Dwayne Johnson returns as the demigod Maui while newcomer Catherine Laga'aia takes on the title role. The film maintains its Pacific Island roots with authentic casting and cultural representation. Fans can mark their calendars for the theatrical release on July 10, 2026.

Key Points: Moana Live-Action Remake Trailer Dwayne Johnson Catherine Laga'aia

  • Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as Maui from the original animated film
  • Newcomer Catherine Laga'aia takes over the lead role as Moana
  • Film features authentic Pacific Island representation with Samoan heritage
  • Original creative team returns including Lin-Manuel Miranda on music production
2 min read

'Moana' live-action remake trailer out, to hit theatres on July 10, 2026

First trailer for Moana live-action remake released, starring Catherine Laga'aia and Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui. Theatrical release set for July 10, 2026.

"I'm honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples - Catherine Laga'aia"

Washington DC, November 18

The makers have released the first trailer for the live-action remake of 'Moana' starring Cathering Laga'aia and Dwayne Johnson in the lead roles.

Like the original 2016 animated movie of the same name, the live-action film will once again star Dwayne Johnson as Maui, a once-mighty demigod who aids the adventurous young teenager on a quest to save her island and its people.

Although Johnson reprises his role from the animated film Moana, which was originally played and voiced by Auli'i Cravalho, it is now played by a young newcomer, Laga'aia.

Dwayne 'Rock' Johnson shared the trailer on his Instagram handle on Monday. The film is slated to release in theatres on July 10, 2026.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRKi_5PCX1f/?

The 17-year-old actor Laga'aia expressed her excitement for the movie. She calls the movie an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples.

"I'm really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favourites. My grandfather comes from Fa'aala, Palauli, in Savai'i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of 'Upolu in Samoa. I'm honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me," said Laga'aia as quoted by Variety.

John Tui will play Moana's father, Chief Tui, while Frankie Adams will play Moana's mother Sina. Rena Owen also stars as Gramma Tala, reported Variety.

The first animated film 'Moana' was directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, with a script from Jared Bush and featuring music by Mark Mancina, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Opetaia Foa`i.

Bush returns to the live-action 'Moana' as co-screenwriter alongside Dana Ledoux Miller, with Thomas Kail directing.

Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia and Beau Flynn will produce. Mark Mancina returns to score the film, while Miranda will produce.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Interesting that they're keeping the same music team. Lin-Manuel Miranda's songs were the soul of the original. Hope they don't mess with the iconic soundtrack too much.
R
Rohit P
Why do we need live-action remakes of perfectly good animated films? Disney should focus on original stories instead of recycling old ones. The animation was beautiful enough.
S
Sarah B
Love that they're casting actual Pacific Islanders! Representation matters so much. Catherine seems genuinely connected to her heritage, which makes this more authentic.
V
Vikram M
The Rock sharing the trailer on Instagram is smart marketing. He has massive following in India too. Hope they release it in multiple Indian languages like they did with the animated version.
M
Meera T
Moana's story of finding your true calling really resonates with Indian values of dharma and purpose. Excited to see this beautiful cultural story come to life again! 🌊✨

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50