Moana Live-Action Remake: Release Date, Cast Information, Story Details & All You Need to Know

Disney is set to revive its beloved animated feature, Moana, with an exciting live-action adaptation. Following the trend initiated in 2010 with Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, this new project highlights Disney’s ongoing commitment to reimagining its classic titles. Notably, the 1996 remake of One Hundred and One Dalmatians, starring Glenn Close, served as an early indication of Disney’s foray into live-action reinterpretations.

Original release in 2016, Moana has the distinction of being Disney’s latest animated film to undergo a live-action transformation, diverging from the common practice of remaking traditional films from the 20th century. The narrative follows the bold Moana, who embarks on a daring journey across the ocean to save her island and restore the heart of Te Fiti, alongside the trickster demi-god Maui. Although the announcement of this remake came in April 2023, fans have already seen a surge of updates and excitement regarding this new venture.

The Latest Moana Live-Action Remake News

Set Photos Reveal Maui & Moana’s Return

Recently released set photos showcase the live-action portrayals of Moana and Maui, providing an initial glimpse of the film’s progress. Captured by @reelnewsHawaii on one of the scenic beaches on the West Side, these images highlight Dwayne Johnson’s detailed costume, including his iconic tattoos and flowing hair, which align closely with his animated counterpart. Moana’s outfit also remains faithful to the original design, although the images reveal little else about the production.

View the behind-the-scenes photos here

The Moana Live-Action Remake Release Date

The Remake Arrives In 2026

Excitement for the live-action Moana adaptation has been tempered by its revised release timeline, which sees the premiere pushed back by over a year. Originally slated for June 2025, the new release date has been set for July 10, 2026.

Moana debuted on November 23, 2016, and a sequel, Moana 2, is scheduled to release on November 27, 2024.

Moana Live-Action Remake Cast

Dwayne Johnson Will Reprise His Role As Maui

In keeping with the trend of remakes, the live-action version of Moana will feature most of the original characters. Dwayne Johnson is set to reprise his role as the endearing demi-god Maui, a role he has long been associated with. However, Auli’i Cravalho will not be returning as Moana; instead, she will serve as a producer for the film. Stepping into her shoes is Catherine Laga’aia, alongside John Tui as Chief Tui, opposed by Frankie Adams as Sina, Moana’s mother, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.

AuliÊ»i Cravalho has a message for us about the live action #Moanað&Yuml;&OElig;€ She will not be reprising her role but looks forward to finding our new Moana. pic.twitter.com/1kwRhZv7Ms — Marioð&Yuml;«§ð&Yuml;§oelig;ð&Yuml;\u008f½&zwj;â™€ï¸\u008f (@mmdisney200) May 19, 2023

The adaptation will employ CGI for two notable characters—Heihei the rooster, voiced by Alan Tudyk, and Tamatoa, voiced by Jemaine Clement. Given their unique qualities, both characters are anticipated to return, adding depth to the live-action experience.

Here’s a glance at the confirmed cast:

Actor	Role in Moana
Dwayne Johnson	Maui
Catherine Laga’aia	Ocean
John Tui	Chief Tui
Frankie Adams	Theirs
Rena Owen	Grams Speak

Moana Live-Action Remake Story Details

A Straightforward Remake Is Expected

The live-action adaptation of Moana is anticipated to largely mirror the narrative of the original animated film. Writer Jared Bush has returned to co-write the screenplay alongside Dana Ledoux Miller. The story centers on Moana as she ventures beyond her island home to confront the environmental decay affecting her homeland, meeting Maui and discovering crucial aspects of her identity throughout her journey.

The adaptation faces the challenge of transitioning its primarily water-based storyline to live-action, but given Disney’s extensive experience with effects-driven films—exemplified by Black Panther: Wakanda Forever—there is confidence in their ability to create a visually stunning experience that integrates live action and fantasy elements seamlessly.

Where Does Moana Fit With Disney’s Slate Of Live-Action Remakes?

Disney Has Big Plans For Live-Action Remakes

Disney’s roster of upcoming live-action adaptations keeps expanding, including:

Disney Live-Action Remake	Release Date
Mufasa: The Lion King	December 20, 2024
Snow White	March 21, 2025
Lilo & Stitch	May 23, 2025
Hercules	To Be Announced A long-gestating project with Guy Ritchie attached as director.
Bambi	To Be Announced Previously directed by Sarah Polley.
Robin Hood	To Be Announced Announced in 2020 with minimal updates since.
The Aristocats	To Be Announced Musician Questlove is attached to direct.

Moana stands out as the most recent animated film to be transformed into a live-action feature, with only five Walt Disney Animation films released post-Moana’s 2016 debut until the present. This rapid transition to live-action is relatively unusual for Disney, which typically delays adaptations. Remarkably, however, Frozen received swift adaptations, first as a Disney on Ice production and later as a Broadway show. Thus, a live-action Moana remake, while swift, isn’t unprecedented.

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