Disney released a new trailer, poster, and behind-the-scenes featurette for the live-action “Moana“ on March 23, 2026, giving the clearest look yet at the film heading to theaters on July 10, 2026.
What the New Moana Trailer Shows. The trailer centers on Catherine Lagaʻaia in the title role, showing the wayfinder Moana navigating the open ocean and facing the kind of larger-than-life challenges fans of the animated film will recognize. Dwayne Johnson returns as the trickster demigod Maui, and the footage makes clear this version is leaning into the scope and spectacle of the original story rather than walking away from it.
The rest of the cast rounds out Moana’s family in a way that grounds the adventure. John Tui plays Chief Tui, Moana’s father. Frankie Adams takes on the role of Sina, her mother. Rena Owen plays Gramma Tala, the elder who sets Moana’s journey in motion.
Behind the Scenes: The Artistry Featurette
Disney also released an “Artistry of Moana” featurette today that pulls back the curtain on the production. Johnson and Lagaʻaia both appear in it alongside director Thomas Kail, costume designer Liz McGregor, and choreographer Tiana Nonosina Liufau. The featurette focuses on the craftsmanship behind the film, from the costumes to the movement work that shapes how characters carry themselves on screen.
Thomas Kail directs the project. He is best known for the Broadway and filmed version of “Hamilton,” a production that earned him both Emmy and Tony recognition. Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda are producing.
Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in both animated films, serves as an executive producer on this version. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina contributed original songs, with Mancina also composing the score.
Disney has been leaning hard on live-action adaptations of its animated library, with mixed results depending on who you ask. “Moana” has a real shot at standing out. The combination of Kail’s stage-to-screen instincts, a cast with deep Pacific Islander representation, and source material that already had strong music and emotional bones gives this one more going for it than most. July 10 puts it squarely in peak summer blockbuster territory, which is exactly where a film like this needs to be.
Disney Released a Moana Trailer, a New Poster, and a Behind-the-Scenes Featurette All in One Day
“Moana” opens exclusively in theaters on July 10, 2026. For more Disney coverage, visit fantasylandnews.com.
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