Disney’s upcoming live-action movie ‘Moana’ is shaping up to be one of the studio’s most ambitious remakes yet, after the box office flop the studio received with Snow White. Directed by Thomas Kail, who is best known for directing the Hamilton live recording, the film features a screenplay by Jared Bush (who co-wrote the original movie as well) and Dana Ledoux Miller.
Fans and audiences of the original movie are already having mixed emotions about it, as the new trailer of the upcoming live-action did seem promising, to an extent. The movie is set for release on July 10, 2026, making it the third entry in the Moana franchise and bringing the beloved 2016 animated story into a fully reimagined, musical, live-action world.
The Biggest Buzz comes from the Cast, with Catherine Lagaʻaia stepping Confidently into Moana’s shoes
What fans loved the most was the cast selections. According to the new teaser, we see the film is set to debut Catherine Lagaʻaia as she steps into the role of Moana. Fans kind of guessed that if anyone who deserves to be the shapeshifting demigod Maui, it should be Dwayne Johnson, who voiced the character in both animated films. They are also set to be joined by John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.
All we know so far is that the project became an official go-show in April 2023, when Johnson announced the remake and explained his personal connection to the story. We all know that he shares an ancestral rooting with the Polynesian culture and was heavily inspired by his grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia.
And the most interesting part is that Disney’s leadership also noted that the studio’s 100th anniversary made this a meaningful time to revisit Moana so soon after its original release. But the question is, was it necessary to touch the beloved classic? People have been asking otherwise since Disney went all woke in the creation of The Little Mermaid and Snow White, which basically ruined their reputation. But again, Lilo and Stitch was a hit, which we can’t ignore as well. So what will we get this time? Another disappointment or a huge brand success.
It is pretty obvious that the live-action film follows the same essential arc as the animated original. After being called by the ocean, Moana ventures beyond Motunui’s reef for the first time. With Maui’s reluctant help, she sets out to restore balance to her island, rediscover her lineage as a wayfinder, and embrace her identity.
So far, the Project looks like Disney’s most stable live-action Movie in Years
The first teaser trailer featuring Lagaʻaia singing the iconic “How Far I’ll Go” offered glimpses of Maui’s transformations, the Kakamora tribe, and the breathtaking world of Motunui brought into realism. Early reactions praised the casting, visuals, and Kail’s grounded yet musical approach, which is so far very tempting and promising.
With a powerhouse producing team that includes Lin-Manuel Miranda, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia, the live-action Moana aims to honor Pacific Islander traditions while expanding a story that is loved by millions like us.
With what has been revealed and shown, it might work out after all by Disney, because fans are happy with the cast, and the teaser did seem promising, to be honest. If anything happens like it did earlier this year with Snow White, well, it is safe to say that people will not back down from lashing out at the studio. Critics will go beyond to prove why production houses should not touch something that needs no remake. Hopefully, Disney has learned from their mistakes and has taken due note of them.
