Moana live-action movie: Release date, cast and latest news

And now Disney has confirmed who'll be taking over the reins from original voice star Auli’i Cravalho, with newcomer Catherine Laga’aia set to take on the role.

The cast also includes New Zealand actor John Tui as as Moana’s no-nonsense father Chief Tui, Samoan-New Zealand star Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother Sina, and New Zealander Rena Owen as the reverend Gramma Tala.

Moana will be the latest in a long line of recent Disney remakes, from Beauty and the Beast to Aladdin, Mulan to The Lion King and The Little Mermaid.

So, without further ado, read on for everything we know so far about the Disney live-action reimagining – not to be confused with Moana 2, the hotly-anticipated sequel to the hit 2016 animated movie, which is also coming our way – including who else will appear in the cast and when we can expect the movie to land.

Moana live-action movie release date

The movie will land in cinemas in Australia on 9th July 2026 before releasing globally on 10th July 2026.

Filming is set to kick off in summer 2024.

Johnson confirmed a live-action movie was in the works in April 2023 with an Instagram video featuring his two young daughters.

"We are so excited and happy to announce that a live-action reimagining of Moana is in the works," he said in the video, promising the return of "Gramma Tala, the music, the dance, Te Fiti, Pua the pig, the village" and "the beautiful, powerful ocean".

Moana live-action movie cast

The confirmed cast list so far is as follows:

• Dwayne Johnson as Maui
• Catherine Laga’aia as Moana
• John Tui as Chief Tui
• Frankie Adams as Sina
• Rena Owen as Gramma Tala

Dwayne Johnson, who voiced Maui in the original animated Moana and will return to bring the character to life in the live-action version, revealed the project at Disney's 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Webcast on Monday (3rd April).

Meanwhile, newcomer Catherine Laga'aia will play Moana, who was originally voiced by Auli’i Cravalho in the animated movie.

"I'm really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favourites," the Sydney-based actress, who is the daughter of Home and Away actor Jay Laga'aia, said in a statement on Thursday.

"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."

She continued: "I'm honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me."

While Cravalho might not be returning on our screens, the star will instead serve as executive producer on the new movie, and has said she's excited to “pass the baton.”

In an Instagram video, she said: "I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell. So, as an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana's courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength."

Cravalho continued: "I am truly honoured to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honour our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures and communities that helped inspire her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come."

The original movie, which debuted in 2016 and was a big box office success, also starred Rachel House, Nicole Scherzinger and Temuera Morrison, but their returns to the new Moana live-action film are yet to be announced.

The movie has a personal significance for Johnson, who has spoken about how he credits his inspiration for the role to his real-life grandfather.

"This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people's grace and warrior strength," Johnson said in a press release.

"I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me."

Further cast details are yet to be announced, but watch this space!

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Is there a trailer for the Moana live-action movie?

Not yet, but there is an announcement video with Dwayne Johnson – released in April 2023 – revealing that the live-action Moana is on the way.

Moana will be released in cinemas on 10th July.

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