Moana came out nearly 10 years ago, and the live-action remake arrives in 2026. It’s a lovely way to celebrate a film that means so much to so many little people. Imagine an audience of saucer-eyed kids as they watch their beloved ocean world come to life and their heroine loom large on the screen. Awe.Some. Give a little person in your life that gift, why don’t you?
Following the same core story as the original, this features Australian Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson in the real-life role, not just the voice, of Maui, the demigod he voiced in the original. Seeing Dwayne Johnson with long curly locks is so striking (we have thoughts) that it gets a special mention in the movie.
Let’s just say: the hair has presence, almost main-character energy. You’ll know what we mean when you see it.
Apart from Dwayne’s locks, what else do we know about the live-action Moana? Quite a bit, it seems, so let’s get sharing.
How far will they go… with the plot?
The story is true to the original, by all accounts. Here’s a quick recap: Our heroine is Moana, who inherited her mother's strong will and her father Chief Tui’s leadership qualities. The Polynesian village she lives in is under threat from a blight, and the only way to stop it is to find and return the goddess Te Fiti’s heart, which has been stolen.
From there, the ocean calls to Moana, and she hears it, setting off to fulfil her quest and restore peace to her village. Along the way, she has many adventures at sea and meets a shape-shifting demi-god, Maui, who thinks a lot of himself but is likeable all the same.
Beyond the awe-inspiring beauty of the world under the sea, Moana is also famous for its themes of bravery and cultural heritage. It’s about courage, identity and trusting that quiet voice. Expect big feelings, bigger songs and a whole lot of horizon-staring moments.
The ocean chose them – who is in the cast?
The big news as we said is that Dwayne Johnson has reprised his role – in person, this time – as Maui. Johnson was the voice of the demigod in the animated Moana, and the actor dons a curly wig to play Maui in the live-action version.
Still sensitive to Polynesian culture, the largely Pacific cast is a big part of the film’s appeal. That reflection of the culture that inspired the story makes Moana all the more authentic, while also being full of Disney magic. The original Moana voice actress, Auliʻi Cravalho, is an executive producer on the film, and the new Moana is played by Catherine Laga'aia.
• Catherine Laga'aia (Moana)
• Dwayne Johnson (Maui)
• John Tui (Chief Tui)
• Frankie Adams (Sina)
• Rena Owen (Gramma Tala)
When can you set sail with Moana?
Moana is scheduled for release on 10 July 2026.
Same ocean, new wave – kids practically know the original off by heart…
And that’s why they’ll love the remake too. It reportedly stays faithful to the original, with a few extra precious minutes to bring a little more magic. Rather than a replacement, it’s more of a glow-up: the same story we love, now with crashing waves, glowing oceans and larger-than-life adventure on the big screen.
The live-action version blends real environments with cinematic effects to recreate the ocean, its creatures, and its mythology in a way the whole family will love.
You’re welcome… for the soundtrack
The core soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda accompanies the latest Moana film, and there are hints that there’ll be at least one new song. You can absolutely expect How Far I’ll Go to be belted out in the cinema (and on the way home, and for days afterwards…) and You’re Welcome is sure to make a triumphant return.
HeiHei there, Pua!
Yes! Pua and Heihei are in Moana 2026. With the help of photo-realistic CGI, Moana’s animal buddies are part of the adventure. Pua the pig remains her closest friend on land, while the chaotic Heihei accidentally goes on the voyage with her.
The ocean’s calling, and this time, it’s bigger, bolder and made for the big screen.
Moana is released on 10 July 2026; book family seats for the event of the summer.
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