Disney is officially inviting audiences back to Motunui. With tickets now on sale for the studio’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Moana, Disney has released an all-new trailer showcasing fresh footage from the reimagining of one of its most beloved modern animated classics.
Set to sail into theaters on July 10, the film stars newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana, the fearless wayfinder chosen by the Ocean, alongside Dwayne Johnson, who returns to the role of the larger-than-life demigod Maui after originally voicing the character in the 2016 animated hit.
The new trailer highlights the epic scale of the production, featuring sweeping ocean vistas, larger-than-life mythology, and the dynamic partnership between Moana and Maui as they embark on a journey that will determine the fate of their people.
Disney also confirmed that fan favorite villain Tamatoa will return for the live action adaptation. Actor and comedian Jemaine Clement is reprising his role as the flamboyant, treasure obsessed giant crab after memorably voicing the character in the original animated film.
Clement joins an impressive cast of Pacific talent assembled for the adaptation. Lagaʻaia leads the film as Moana, with Johnson returning as Maui. The supporting cast includes Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, John Tui as Chief Tui, and Frankie Adams as Sina.
Like the animated original, the story follows Moana as she answers the call of the Ocean and ventures beyond the safety of her island home. Teaming up with Maui, she embarks on a perilous voyage across the Pacific in an effort to restore prosperity to her people and fulfill her destiny as a wayfinder.
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The film is directed by Emmy and Tony Award winner Thomas Kail, best known for his work on the stage phenomenon Hamilton. Behind the scenes, the production team includes Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and songwriter-producer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also returns to contribute to the film’s music.
Fans of the original can expect many of the songs that helped make Moana a global phenomenon. The live-action adaptation features music by Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina, with Mancina also providing the film’s original score.
Additionally, Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in both animated films, serves as an executive producer on the project, helping bridge the gap between the original animated adventure and its live action counterpart.
Released in 2016, the original Moana became a worldwide success, earning two Academy Award nominations and introducing audiences to a memorable cast of characters, beloved songs, and a celebration of Polynesian culture and storytelling. Disney is hoping the live action version captures that same magic while bringing the story to a new generation on the big screen.
