Moana is back and better than ever. The beloved animated original film was first released in 2016, quickly becoming one of the most popular Disney movies in years. And this summer, Moana is getting a refresh.
Starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Catherine Laga'aia, the live-action version of Moana premieres on July 10, 2026 and fans have big reactions to the trailer that was just released.
The two minute trailer was shared to Dwayne's 390 million Instagram followers and received mixed reactions. One person wrote: "It seems this is going to be a better movie than the cartoon Moana."
Another wrote to X: "[The trailer] looks like a shot for shot remake. What's the point? Even the animated characters look pulled straight from the original. Put your efforts elsewhere and be creative again."
Either way, the Moana live-action trailer got people talking. Keep reading to see the live-action characters next to the animated ones.
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© Courtesy of DisneyCatherine Laga'aia as Moana
Making her film debut as the Disney princess is Catherine Laga'aia, a 19-year-old Australian actress and singer. Catherine took over for Auli'i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the two animated films.
And the 25-year-old actress is proud that Catherine is following in her legacy. "When I look to a live-action film, I want [Moana] to feel like she's that 16-year-old, young, scrappy teenager who's going to save her island home from a manmade imbalance," Auli'i told People in July 2024.
The actress, who is co-producing the live-action Moana adaptation, continued, saying: "[Catherine is] a beautiful young woman of color. She's so brave to be on that canoe with Dwayne. I cannot wait to see her shine."
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© Courtesy of DisneyDwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Maui
Dwayne lent his voice to Maui, the hilarious demigod, for Moana and Moana 2, so it's only fitting that he stars as the character in the live-action. And, the actor made history becoming the first Disney star to play the same role in both the animated and live-action versions.
Of his transformation into Maui, Dwayne told Entertainment Weekly: "It was grueling because of the suit and how hot it was. Wait till you see pictures. In between takes, there's literally five, six people, all [with] fans, opening me up, pulling my hair back."
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© Courtesy of DisneyJohn Tui as Chief Tui
Moana lives to impress her father and the leader of the Motunui people, Chief Tui. In the live-action movie, he is played by John Tui. The actor is known for his roles as Anubis "Doggie" Cruger in Power Rangers S.P.D. and as Daggeron in Power Rangers Mystic Force.
The stern but sensible character was voiced by Temuera Morrison in the animated original films.
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© Courtesy of DisneyRena Owen as Gramma Tala
The matriarch of Moana's family, Gramma Tala, was voiced by Rachel House in the animated movies. But in the live-action film, she is played by Rena Owen.
The free spirited character opened Moana's eyes to her magic and her connection with both nature and her people's history.
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© Courtesy of DisneyPua
Every Disney princess has to have an animal sidekick. One of Moana's is Pua, her dog-like pet pig. Pua doesn't join Moana on her journey in the first film, so we won't see much of him in the live-action.
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© Courtesy of DisneyHei Hei the Rooster
Moana's other pet sidekick is Hei Hei, a troublemaking rooster with wobbly eyes. Hei Hei accidentally finds himself on Moana's boat, disrupting many parts of her journey with Maui.
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© Courtesy of DisneyOcean
The ocean has a huge role in Moana. From a young age and as she grows into the Moana we see on screen, the Disney princess is connected to the water, visualized by cresting waves that guide her on her journey.
