Disney debuts a magical trailer, poster, and behind-the-scenes featurette for its live-action reimagining of Moana
Disney is riding a wave of nostalgia this Monday with a media blitz for its upcoming live-action reimagining of the studio’s 2016 animated classic, Moana. The upcoming feature, starring Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as the trickster demigod Maui, got a new trailer this afternoon, along with a stunning poster and a behind-the-scenes featurette. It’s only been ten years since the original’s release, but Disney is ready to invite audiences back to theaters to experience the magic of Moana’s story in a brand-new way.
What’s Moana about?
Set in Ancient Polynesia, Moana tells the story of what happens when a terrible curse incurred by the demigod Maui reaches Moana’s island. Answering the Ocean’s call to seek out the demigod and set things right, the young woman reconnects with her ancestors and discovers she’s more powerful than she ever imagined.
In addition to Lagaʻaia and Johnson, the Moana cast includes John Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams as Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen as Moana’s revered Gramma Tala.
Go behind-the-scenes of Moana
Adding to today’s teasers for the upcoming film, an “Artistry of Moana” featurette offering a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of Moana debuts, with commentary from Dwayne Johnson, Catherine Lagaʻaia, director Thomas Kail, costume designer Liz McGregor, and choreographer Tiana Nonosina Liufau.
Thomas Kail (Hamilton, Fosse/Verdon) directs Disney’s live-action Moana, with Jared Bush, who wrote the animated original, returning to pen the screenplay for the live-action remake.
What happens in today’s Moana trailer?
In today’s Moana trailer, Moana learns that an evil darkness is approaching her island home, and unless she finds the trickster demigod Maui, who stole the Heart of Te Fiti, her people and their sanctuary could fall to ruin. Together, Moana and Maui set off on a sea-faring adventure to restore balance before all is lost.
It’s got to be better than Snow White, right?
While I don’t know how necessary a live-action remake of Moana is just 10 years after the animated original, Kail’s new film sure looks pretty and certainly better than Disney’s Snow White. Plus, these live-action remakes aren’t for my generation; they’re for those who come after us. What feels pointless or rushed to some is something new and magical to younger generations who did not experience the original in theaters. Furthermore, remaking animated classics gives Disney the chance to alter the stories, for better or worse. That’s up to audiences to decide. Moana means a great deal to a lot of people, and I hope they enjoy this live-action version of Moana’s first adventure.
Moana comes to theaters on July 10, 2026.
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