Disney is bringing the beloved story of Moana to the big screen in a whole new way. The live-action reimagining of the 2016 animated classic arrives in theaters this summer. The film features a fresh face as the adventurous wayfinder and sees Dwayne Johnson return as the charismatic demigod Maui.
The live-action Moana has been one of the most talked-about releases of 2026. With tickets already on sale and a final trailer generating massive buzz, here is everything you need to know about the movie, including its release dates, streaming availability, cast, plot, and more.
Moana Live-Action Release Dates: When Does It Hit Theaters?
Moana opens in theaters on Friday, July 10, 2026, in the United States. The film will be released in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and ScreenX formats, offering viewers a more immersive experience.
International release dates vary slightly. The movie arrives in Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico on July 8, 2026. Japan will get the film later on July 31, 2026. These staggered releases are part of Disney’s typical strategy for global rollouts.
The film is directed by Emmy and Tony Award winner Thomas Kail, known for his work on the Broadway musical “Hamilton”. This marks Kail’s first feature-length film. The runtime for the live-action Moana has not been officially confirmed yet.
Where to Stream Moana Live-Action: Is It on Disney+?
The live-action Moana is currently not available for streaming. The film will have an exclusive theatrical release first, which is standard practice for major Disney productions.
Since the movie is a Disney production, it is expected to arrive on Disney+ eventually. Based on previous Disney release patterns, the film will likely become available for digital purchase and rental around 3 to 4 months after its theatrical premiere. This means a possible digital release around October or November 2026, with a streaming debut on Disney+ following shortly after.
As of now, the live-action Moana is not available on Netflix, Prime Video, or Apple TV+. For those wanting to watch the original animated films, both Moana (2016) and Moana 2 (2024) are currently streaming on Disney+.
Moana Live-Action Cast: Who Stars in the Movie?
The live-action Moana features a mix of newcomers and returning stars. The main cast includes:
- Catherine Laga’aia as Moana. The 19-year-old Samoan-Australian actress makes her feature-film debut in this role. She was selected from more than 32,000 hopefuls to play the iconic Disney heroine. Director Thomas Kail said he knew she was right for the role within “about 10 seconds” of meeting her. Laga’aia is the daughter of renowned New Zealand-Australian actor and singer Jay Laga’aia.
- Dwayne Johnson as Maui. Johnson voiced the demigod in the animated films and returns to reprise the role in the live-action version. He also serves as a producer on the film.
- Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, Moana’s revered grandmother.
- John Tui as Chief Tui, Moana’s no-nonsense father.
- Frankie Adams as Sina, Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother.
- Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa. Clement reprises his role as the giant crab from the animated original.
Auliสปi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated films, serves as an executive producer on the live-action project. The film is produced by Dwayne Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
What Is Moana Live-Action About? Plot and Story Details
The live-action Moana is a reimagining of the 2016 animated film. The story follows the same beloved narrative:
Moana (Catherine Lagaสปaia) answers the Ocean’s call and voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on a journey to restore prosperity to her people.
The film retells the story of a brave young woman who sets sail across the ocean to save her island. Along the way, she faces dangerous challenges and magical adventures. The movie features the original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaสปi, and Mark Mancina, with an original score composed by Mancina.
Iconic songs like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome” are performed by the live-action cast. The film celebrates the islands of the South Pacific and the spirit of adventure.
Moana Live-Action Trailers: What Has Been Released?
Several trailers have been released for the live-action Moana. A teaser trailer debuted earlier in 2026, giving fans a first look at the film’s visuals. The official final trailer was released on June 10, 2026.
The final trailer shows more scenes from the movie, including snippets from the hit song “You’re Welcome” and more of Moana and Maui’s interactions. The trailer also highlights the moving tattoos on Maui’s body, a detail fans of the animated film will appreciate.
A clip titled “The Heart is That Way” was also released, showing an action-packed scene where Moana makes the ultimate play to secure the heart. The trailers have generated significant excitement, with the film being one of the most anticipated releases of the summer.
Moana 2 Streaming: Where to Watch the Animated Sequel
While the live-action film is the main focus, the animated sequel Moana 2 is also available for streaming. Moana 2 is currently streaming exclusively on Disney+. The film was released in theaters in late November 2024 and made its streaming debut on March 12, 2026.
Moana 2 is set three years after the events of the 2016 animated film and follows Moana, Maui, and new explorers on a journey across Oceania. The sequel was a massive success at the box office, grossing over $1.05 billion worldwide.
For those who want to catch up on the franchise before seeing the live-action film, both animated movies are available on Disney+. The original Moana (2016) is also streaming on the platform.
Moana Franchise Success and Box Office
The Moana franchise has been incredibly successful. The original 2016 animated film grossed over $640 million worldwide and was nominated for two Academy Awards. The sequel, Moana 2, was an even bigger hit, grossing $1.05 billion. Collectively, the franchise has grossed over $1.7 billion at the box office.
The live-action remake is expected to continue this success. Tickets are already on sale, and early tracking suggests a strong opening weekend. The film’s release on July 10 places it in the middle of the summer movie season, a prime spot for family entertainment.
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Japanese Dub Cast
For Japanese audiences, the live-action Moana features a notable dub cast. TSUZUMI, a member of the girl group ME:I, will voice Moana in the Japanese version. Her strong singing and acting abilities were recognized by Disney headquarters in the US. Matsuya Onoe, a Kabuki actor, will voice Maui, reprising his role from the animated version.
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