Dwayne Johnson Is Back as Maui, and He’s Bringing the Laughs
One of the few cast members from the original animated film to return for the remake, Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as the self-centered demigod Maui. And based on the new footage, he’s bringing every ounce of that character’s outsized swagger.
In the trailer, viewers get an up-close look at Maui’s luscious hairstyle, ripped physique, and animated tattoos.
“Maui, demigod of the wind and sea!” Catherine Laga’aia’s title character exclaims in wonder when she first encounters Maui in the footage. “Hero of men,” Maui humorously adds. “So it goes like this — Maui, shapeshifter, demigod of the wind and sea, hero of men… ah! Women too. Men and women.”
Classic Maui. Some things never change.
Meet the New Moana
Catherine Laga’aia, 18, takes on the title role in what is shaping up to be one of Disney’s most anticipated releases of the year. The trailer introduces audiences to the island and people of Motunui, the intimidating yet adorable tribe of Kakamora, and Laga’aia as wayfinder Moana, who sings “I Am Moana.”
The final trailer also confirms that Jemaine Clement will return to voice Tamatoa, the giant treasure-hoarding crab who serves as Maui’s nemesis. Fans also get new glimpses of the deity Te Fiti, Maui’s animal transformations, his moving tattoos, and of course, Moana’s beloved pet rooster Heihei and her pig Pua.
A Family Built Around the Story
The film’s supporting cast rounds out Moana’s world with real depth. Auckland native John Tui plays Moana’s no-nonsense father Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealander Frankie Adams steps in as Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother Sina; and Rena Owen, from Bay of Islands, New Zealand, portrays the revered Gramma Tala.
The Thomas Kail-directed remake counts among its producers Auli’i Cravalho and Lin-Manuel Miranda — the voice star and composer behind the original, both now shaping the next chapter from behind the camera.
Big Shoes, Bigger Box Office Expectations
This isn’t just any Disney remake. The original 2016 Moana earned over $687 million at the global box office, and its 2024 sequel Moana 2 proved an even bigger hit, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. That kind of momentum sets a high bar — and a lot of goodwill.
The remake also marks Disney’s tightest turnaround from animation to live-action yet, having first been announced in 2023 before its sequel had even been released in theatres. Other iconic remakes like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast had decades as animated classics before their live-action reimaginings arrived. Moana is doing it in under ten years.
Whether that feels bold or rushed will likely depend on how the finished film lands — but the trailer is doing its job of building excitement.
When Can You See It?
Disney’s live-action Moana arrives exclusively in theaters worldwide on July 10, 2026 — just in time to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the original animated film.
