‘Moana’ Live-Action Trailer: Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson Bring Disney’s Ocean Adventure to Life

Disney’s beloved animated adventure, “Moana,” is making its highly anticipated transition to live-action, and the recently released trailer offers a captivating first look at this oceanic journey. The teaser features newcomer Catherine Laga’aia in the titular role and sees Dwayne Johnson reprise his iconic portrayal of the demigod Maui, bringing the vibrant world of Motunui to life with a fresh perspective.

A First Look at the Ocean Adventure

The first teaser trailer for the live-action “Moana” debuted on November 17, 2025, immediately capturing the attention of fans. The footage provides a glimpse into the majestic island of Motunui, its lively inhabitants, and the early stages of Moana’s destined journey. It introduces audiences to the shapeshifting demigod Maui and even the recognizable, albeit intimidating, Kakamora tribe. A prominent moment in the trailer features Catherine Laga’aia’s rendition of a line from the franchise’s signature song, “How Far I’ll Go,” setting an evocative tone for the upcoming adaptation.

Catherine Laga’aia Steps into Moana’s Sandals

The role of the adventurous teenager Moana is undertaken by 17-year-old Australian actress Catherine Laga’aia, who hails from Sydney. Laga’aia, who has Samoan heritage, expressed profound excitement and honor at the opportunity. She noted her deep connection to the character and the significance of representing Samoa, all Pacific Island peoples, and young girls who share her background. This casting follows a global search to find the ideal actress, with Laga’aia’s prior screen credit being a role in the 2023 TV series “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart.”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Reprises His Role as Maui

Dwayne Johnson returns to the live-action adaptation as the demigod Maui, a role he originated in the 2016 animated feature. Johnson not only stars but also serves as a producer for the film, emphasizing his personal connection to the story and its cultural roots. His involvement was first announced in April 2023, where he highlighted that “This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength.”

The Supporting Cast Bringing Motunui to Life

The ensemble cast further enhances the live-action “Moana” with talented actors portraying key characters from the original narrative. John Tui, an Auckland, New Zealander, plays Moana’s steadfast father, Chief Tui. Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams takes on the role of Moana’s supportive and strong-willed mother, Sina. Rounding out the immediate family, Rena Owen, from the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, portrays the revered Gramma Tala.

Behind the Scenes: Creative Team and Production

The live-action “Moana” is helmed by director Thomas Kail, known for his work on “Hamilton.” The screenplay is a collaborative effort by Jared Bush, who wrote the original animated film, and Dana Ledoux Miller, who is of Samoan heritage. Production credits include Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Beau Flynn, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the latter of whom also contributed to the original film’s songs. Notably, Auli’i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, is involved as an executive producer, maintaining a connection to the franchise. Mark Mancina, who scored the animated movie, is also returning to compose the music for the live-action adaptation.

Charting a Course: Release and Expectations

The live-action “Moana” is scheduled to be released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in the United States on July 10, 2026. This release date places the film approximately ten years after the original animated feature, representing a relatively tight turnaround for a Disney live-action remake. The project aims to blend action, music, and the rich visuals of Polynesian culture while remaining true to the spirit of the beloved original story.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the “Moana” live-action trailer marks a significant moment for fans eagerly anticipating this reimagining. With Catherine Laga’aia stepping into the role of Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his character as Maui, the film promises to deliver a culturally resonant and visually spectacular adventure. The dedicated cast and creative team, including those with deep personal connections to Polynesian heritage, are poised to bring this cherished tale of self-discovery, courage, and cultural celebration to a new generation, ensuring the spirit of the ocean adventure continues to inspire.