The highly anticipated live-action Moana remake is officially on track and set to arrive in U.S. theaters on July 10, 2026, with a confirmed cast and production timeline. In the opening scene of this film-news update, we dive into what has been verified so far.
Table of Contents
Release Date & Key Milestones
- The remake of the 2016 animated film is scheduled for release in the United States on July 10, 2026.
- Originally the film had been slated for June 27, 2025, but the release was later postponed by a full year.
- Production has already wrapped its principal photography, with filming taking place in locations including Atlanta and Hawaii.
- The announcement of the live-action version came in April 2023, and major casting news followed in June 2024, confirming the lead actor.
Cast & Creative Team
Lead roles:
- 17-year-old Australian actress Catherine Laga‘aia will play Moana, marking her film debut.
- Dwayne Johnson returns to reprise his role as Maui and also serves as a producer.
Supporting cast includes:
- John Tui as Chief Tui (Moana’s father)
- Frankie Adams as Sina (Moana’s mother)
- Rena Owen as Gramma Tala (Moana’s grandmother)
Creative team:
- Directed by Thomas Kail, known for his work on Broadway and live performance filming.
- Written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller.
- Music to be scored by Mark Mancina, with original songwriter Lin‑Manuel Miranda returning as a producer.
Story, Style & What We Can Expect
The live-action Moana remake retains the core story of the original: Moana, the determined Polynesian teenager, sails across the sea to save her island and her people with the help of the demigod Maui. The remake promises to feature real-world sets and environments combined with high-end CGI to deliver the island of Motunui and the ocean journey in vivid live-action form.
Disney has indicated the remake will stay close to the source material while expanding certain sequences to suit live-action storytelling. Cultural authenticity remains a strong focus, and the casting and production choices reflect an emphasis on Pacific Island heritage and representation.
Production & Behind the Scenes
- The project was announced in April 2023, with Johnson revealing that the live-action version was in development.
- Thomas Kail was announced as director in May 2023; casting progressed despite delays related to industry strikes.
- Catherine Laga‘aia was revealed as Moana in June 2024, alongside the supporting cast.
- Filming began in July 2024 under a working title and completed principal photography by November 2024, across Georgia and Hawaii.
- In April 2024, the studio publicly confirmed the delayed release date to July 2026 to allow space between this remake and the recent sequel.
Why This Matters & Cultural Impact
For U.S. audiences, the live-action Moana remake matters in several ways:
- Representation matters: With a lead actress of Pacific Islander heritage and a production team emphasizing cultural roots, the film represents a step toward greater diversity in blockbuster filmmaking.
- Box-office significance: Live-action remakes of animated hits have become major studio strategies. This Moana remake has built-in recognition thanks to the popularity of the original film in the U.S. and globally.
- Timing and market placement: A July 10, 2026 release means the film is aimed squarely at the summer movie-going audience, when families and young audiences are especially engaged.
- Multi-generational appeal: Fans of the original 2016 film will likely be drawn in, while new generations may discover the story for the first time in live-action form.
What We Still Don’t Know Yet
While many foundational items are confirmed, certain details remain unannounced:
- The full list of songs: It isn’t yet clear whether the remake will add entirely new songs, or just revisit the original soundtrack.
- Market distribution details: Whether the film will have extended IMAX engagements, premium formats, or an early streaming window has not been fully disclosed.
- Specific plot changes: Although key story beats of the original are expected to carry over, the studio has not revealed exactly which sequences will be expanded or changed in the live-action version.
- Merchandise, tie-ins and promotional rollout: While teasers are expected, the full marketing strategy has yet to be released publicly.
For U.S. Moviegoers: What to Mark on Your Calendar
- Release Date: July 10, 2026 — for the U.S. theatrical debut of the live-action Moana remake.
- Cast to Watch: Catherine Laga‘aia (Moana), Dwayne Johnson (Maui).
- Style: A live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated hit, with emphasis on island settings, cultural authenticity and large-scale ocean adventure.
- Why It Matters: High anticipation, a strong cultural narrative, and big-screen appeal make this a stand-out upcoming event.
In summary, the live-action Moana remake gives U.S. audiences a new way to experience a beloved story—with major stars, cultural grounding and a blockbuster release window. Stay tuned for trailer drops, additional cast announcements and full sound-track reveal as we approach July 2026.