A live-action remake of Disney’s Moana is being made, and fans now have a date for when it will come out. The movie will come out in theaters in the U.S. on July 10, 2026, with Catherine Lagaʻaia playing Moana and Dwayne Johnson coming back as Maui.
We have information on what’s new, who’s in the cast, and what’s going on with Moana 3. Find out when Moana will be shown in real life and what will happen next.
When Is the Moana Live Action Release Date?
Image © 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Disney has finally said when the live-action version of Moana will come out. The film first showed in U.S. theaters on July 10, 2026. We all know the story, but this new version brings it to life with a new cast, real settings, and an emotional retelling of it.
Disney Confirms July 10, 2026 as the Official Release Date
Fans got their first real-life look at the island world of Motunui in the first trailer, which came out in November 2025. Moana Dwayne Johnson plays the powerful god Maui, and newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia plays the titular character.
- Official Release Date: July 10, 2026, only in theaters.
- Director: Hamilton’s Thomas Kail leads the project.
- Production Companies: Flynn Picture Co., along with producers Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia.
- Based On: Disney’s 2016 hit animated film, Moana.
Behind-the-Scenes: Creative Team and Producers
Key creators from the original movie will be in the new one, along with some new ones. They want to keep Moana’s spirit alive while making it more like a movie.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda: Returns as an executive producer and music contributor.
- Scott Sheldon and Charles Newirth: Also serve as executive producers, along with auliʻi cravalho, who voiced moana in the original.
- Writers: Script by Dana Ledoux Miller and Jared Bush.
- Music: Composed by Mark Mancina, who worked on the original soundtrack.
Who Stars in the Moana Live Action Cast?
Image © 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc.
There are new faces in this live-action movie, but fan-favorite actors are still in it. The casting is true to Polynesians’ real-life roots and gives the story more cultural depth. Having both old and new actors in the show makes it feel both familiar and new.
Main Cast Members and Their Characters
The actors give Moana’s characters real life and heart. Each actor was picked to fit the character they played in the movie.
- Catherine Lagaʻaia: Plays Moana, the brave wayfinder and main character.
- Dwayne Johnson: Returns as demigod Maui, reprising his iconic role from the animated film.
- John Tui: Stars as Chief Tui, Moana’s father, a strong leader of Motunui.
- Frankie Adams: Cast as Sina, Moana’s mother, known for her warmth and strength.
- Rena Owen: Portrays Gramma Tala, the wise grandmother and spiritual guide.
Returning vs. Recast: What’s New This Time?
Some actors from the original film are back, while others have given their roles to new actors. The changes show that Disney wants to hire actors from Polynesian communities.
- Auliʻi Cravalho: Who voiced Moana, is now an executive producer, supporting the new lead behind the scenes.
- John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen: Bring depth to Moana’s family in the live action adaptation.
- The Hollywood Reporter: Praised the cast as “authentic and exciting.”
- Casting Focus: Prioritizes real representation from the Pacific Islands.
Will There Be a Moana 3 Release Date Soon?
Image © 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Fans are excited about the upcoming film, but they are also hopeful about a Moana 3 movie. The third movie is very likely to happen after the success of Moana 2, which made over $1 billion around the world in 2024.
Moana 2 Sets the Stage for Another Adventure
Moana 2 added to the story and made up new myths. Moana is now a goddess and has to deal with bigger dangers. At the end of the movie, it’s clear what could happen next.
- Moana’s Transformation: Gains magical tattoos and ocean-controlling powers.
- New Villain: A storm god named Nalo promises future conflict.
- Post-Credit Scene: Features the return of Tamatoa, teasing a villain alliance.
- Franchise Growth: Adds deeper lore with the rise of Motufetu and Matangi.
What Disney and Creators Are Saying About a Threequel
There has been no official word, but interviews make it sound like more stories are on the way. The creators have given hints about Moana’s next adventure.
- Directors Derrick Jr. and Jason Hand: Called Moana’s new powers “untapped potential.”
- Estimated Timeline: Moana 3 could release in 2027, after the live action film.
- Voice Cast: Likely to include moana Dwayne Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho again.
- Fan Demand: High interest makes a third movie very likely.
Who Is Suing Disney Over Moana?
Image © 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc.
The Walt Disney Company is still in trouble with the law because of Moana. It won the first case, but now there is another one going on. This new case is about the follow up to Moana, which brought back some old favorites and gave the lead role to a newcomer, Catherine Lagaʻaia.
Buck Woodall’s First Lawsuit and Disney’s Win
Buck Woodall, an animator, said that Disney used his idea for Bucky the Surfer Boy for the screenplay of the first Moana movie. He said that someone at Disney had heard it before the movie was made.
- Court Ruling: A jury sided with Disney in June 2025, saying there was no proof of copying.
- Key Argument: Disney’s creators had never seen Woodall’s content.
- Trial Focus: Mainly on the timeline of ideas and access, not visual similarities.
- Result: No money awarded; Disney kept its legal record clean.
A Second $10 Billion Lawsuit Over the Sequel
Now Woodall is suing again, but this time it’s for Moana 2. He thinks that the sequel uses ideas from the first movie. Catherine Lagaʻaia, Chief Tui Frankie Adams, and Sina Rena Owen are some of the current cast members who are mentioned in the new case.
- Claim: Woodall says Moana 2 copied his original themes and plot points.
- Evidence Submitted: Includes videos, scripts, and documents found through search and external links.
- Where to Watch: Legal breakdowns and teaser analysis can be found on YouTube and other media platforms.
Final Thoughts
The live-action Moana movie looks like it will be one of the biggest summer 2026 movies. Newcomer Catherine Laga’aia, , will play Moana for the first time. Fans are excited because Lagaʻaia will give the beloved character a new look.
If you love the original, are excited about the cast, or are just interested in the story, Disney’s remake looks like it will be a brave return to the ocean.
FAQs
Who is Catherine Lagaʻaia in Moana live action?
Catherine Lagaʻaia plays the lead role of Moana in the live action version.
Is newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia related to Dwayne Johnson?
No, newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia is not related to Dwayne Johnson.
What entertainment company is making the Moana live action movie?
The Walt Disney Company is producing the Moana live action entertainment project.
Is this Lagaʻaia’s first time acting in a major movie?
Yes, this is Lagaʻaia’s first time in a leading role for a Disney film.
When is Moana live action coming out this summer?
Moana live action starring newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia will release in summer 2026.