The Moana live action cast brings Disney’s animated film into a live action adaptation built around real performances, cultural care, and story continuity. The movie, which stars Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson, stays true to the original story while changing the characters, music, and setting to make them more realistic.
The live-action movie will be in theaters on July 10, 2026, according to Disney. This gives fans a clear update on the release date.
Who Is In The Moana Live Action Cast And Who Do They Play?
Image © 2025 Walt Disney Pictures / Seven Bucks Productions / Flynn Picture Co.
In the Moana live action cast, well-known characters are brought to life through real performances and real locations. There are some changes to how the characters look on screen, but the cast stays the same.
Casting Of Moana In The Live Action Remake
Catherine Laga’aia plays Moana in the live-action version, putting a new actress at the center of a story that was first told in an animated movie that became one of Disney’s most important animated movies.
Disney confirmed that the casting process was based on cultural accuracy, age matched roles, and the duty to accurately portray young girls from Pacific Island.
- Lead Actress: Catherine Laga’aia was selected to portray Moana in the live action film.
- Cultural Alignment: Disney emphasized her connection to Samoa and Hawaii.
- Representation Goal: The role aims to represent young girls authentically.
- Character Continuity: Moana’s personality remains consistent with the animated film.
- Career Credit: This marks Catherine’s first major live action movie role.
Dwayne Johnson’s Return As Maui
Dwayne Johnson plays Maui again after voicing Moana in the animated movie. He brings continuity to the live-action remake and also works with Hiram Garcia as an executive producer. Johnson said that the live-action version had to be physically realistic while still keeping Maui’s humor and larger-than-life presence.
- Returning Actor: Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui in live action.
- Executive Producer Role: Johnson and Hiram Garcia are credited as producers.
- Performance Shift: Live action required grounded movement and restraint.
- Character Legacy: Maui remains consistent with the animated portrayal.
- Production Influence: Johnson contributed to cultural discussions during development.
Supporting Cast Members And Character Transitions
Rena Owen plays Gramma Tala, Moana’s grandmother, John Tui plays Chief Tui, and Frankie Adams plays Sina, Moana’s strong-willed mother. These choices about who to cast keep Moana’s family structure intact while adapting the performances for a live-action style.
- Rena Owen as Gramma Tala: Portrays Moana’s grandmother as a guiding presence rooted in ancestry, memory, and cultural wisdom.
- John Tui as Chief Tui: Appears as Moana’s father and village leader, emphasizing responsibility, caution, and family duty.
- Frankie Adams as Sina: Plays Moana’s strong willed mother, offering emotional balance and quiet strength within the family.
- Family Focus: The core family dynamic remains unchanged from the animated film.
- Tone Shift: Performances are grounded to reflect live action realism.
Final Thoughts
The Live Action Moana project has original songs, careful production choices made by Dana Ledoux Miller, and a visual effects supervisor who cares more about realism than flashiness. The Live Action Moana story stays on the main island, celebrates Samoa, and avoids lost flowers moments.
It’s set to come out on July 10 in theaters around the world. While people wait, they can watch video clips, read comments, and visit the website before the movie comes out.
FAQs
Yes, Catherine Laga’aia is confirmed for Live Action Moana as the actress leading the film that will hit theaters with original songs and strong cultural focus.
Jared Bush is credited in story development alongside the screenplay team, working with Dana Ledoux Miller during production.
Will Zendaya play Moana is not confirmed, and Disney has revealed no casting credit linking Zendaya to the Live Action Moana film.
The movie is scheduled to hit theaters on July 10, with theaters on July 10 listed across summer release calendars.
The Live Action Moana film includes original songs, work from a visual effects supervisor, references to Alice Hart, moments tied to celebrate Samoa, and avoids cancel consent themes while preparing to hit theaters.