🎬 Disney's Live-Action Moana: Cast, Crew, and Production Details

The upcoming live-action Moana is a musical adventure film scheduled for theatrical release on July 10, 2026. A reimagining of the 2016 animated hit, the movie celebrates the islands, communities, and traditions of Pacific Islanders while following a young woman's journey to pave her own path.The film features Catherine Laga'aia in the title role, marking her feature film debut. Laga'aia, a native of Sydney, Australia with Samoan heritage, expressed her honor in representing young girls of Pacific Island descent. Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as the demigod Maui, having previously voiced the character in the animated version. The supporting cast includes:John Tui as Moana's father, Chief Tui.Frankie Adams as her mother, Sina.Rena Owen as the revered Gramma Tala.Auli'i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, serves as an executive producer to help guide the new production.The narrative follows Moana as she departs her home island of Motunui for the first time after being summoned by the ocean. To save her people from an ecological crisis, she seeks out Maui to help her restore the heart of Te Fiti. The production is intended to be a straightforward retelling that emphasizes Polynesian culture through song and dance.The film is directed by Thomas Kail, making his feature directorial debut after his success with the Broadway production and film capture of Hamilton. The screenplay was written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. The music team includes Lin-Manuel Miranda, who returns as a producer and songwriter, alongside composers Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa'i. Mancina is also providing the film's original score.Principal photography took place between July and November 2024, with filming locations in Hawaii and Atlanta, Georgia. To capture Maui’s physical presence, Dwayne Johnson wore approximately 40 to 50 pounds of prosthetics, hair, and a bodysuit. While the studio initially considered using an AI-generated deepfake for some of Johnson's scenes, the idea was ultimately scrapped to avoid potential controversy.Marketing for the film has included a teaser trailer released in late 2025 and a full-length trailer that debuted in March 2026, showcasing live-action versions of characters like Tamatoa and Te Fiti. The movie is expected to be released in IMAX.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-world-between-us--6886561/support.