BURBANK, Calif. — Disney debuted the first official Moana live-action teaser on Thursday, revealing a July 10 release date for its new live-action adaptation! The clip features Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui, and teases a return to Motunui on Nov. 18, 2025.
Helmed by Thomas Kail (“Hamilton”), the spot features Moana’s first kiss with the ocean, a shape-shifting Maui, and brief glimpses of the Kakamora. Kail’s role and the ensemble are described in ABC News, and you can listen to Catherine Laga’aia’s rendition of “How Far I’ll Go” from afar.
Returning to the role of Maui is Dwayne Johnson, and he’s also a producer on the film with Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia; Lin-Manuel Miranda also produces and intervenes once again as composer with lyrics by Miranda from songs written for Moana.
FUN FACT AND A BAG OF LEAVES: This looks like so much fun! RUN AWAY FROM YOUR TROUBLES. The outdoor dining area in question used to be on pavement, but now it sits in the shadow of Airtel Plaza, adjacent to Balboa Blvd. The Moana live-action trailer points towards a respectful, big-canvas adventure that relies on music, navigation, and the Polynesian tradition.
Disney first established the release plan and creative team last year; an overview in People’s explainer in June 2024 sketched out the timeline. The studio unveiled Lagaʻaia that week; “I’m extremely proud to be representing Samoa and all of the Pacific Island people,” she said in Entertainment Weekly’s coverage of the casting announcement.
Now that the first one is out, Disney’s journey to theaters begins on July 10, 2026. Look for more songs and footage as marketing kicks into high gear — and watch that Moana live-action trailer over and over until we get our first glimpse of Avatar 2.
https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/moana-live-action-trailer/
