Disney's Live-Action Moana: First Trailer & Cast

Disney Unveils First Trailer for Live-Action 'Moana'

Catherine Laga'aia stars as Moana in Disney's live-action remake. - Image from https://duckduckgo.com/?origin=funnel_home_website&t=h_&q=Catherine+Laga%27aia+as+Moana+live+action+Disney+firs+look&ia=images&iax=images&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fmickeyblog.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F06%2FScreenshot-2024-06-12-at-14-47-29-Disneys-Live-Action-%25E2%2580%2598Moana-Finds-Star-in-Catherine-Laga%25E2%2580%2598aia-1024x575.png

Disney has just dropped the highly anticipated first trailer for its live-action adaptation of the beloved animated film, "Moana." The trailer gives us our first look at the stunning visuals, the iconic characters, and the return of Dwayne Johnson as the demigod Maui, alongside newcomer Catherine Laga'aia in the titular role.

What the Trailer Reveals

The one-minute clip opens with the iconic line, "I am a girl who loves my island, and the girl who loves the sea. It calls me," immediately transporting viewers back to the world of Motunui. We see Moana venturing beyond the reef for the first time, embarking on her quest to restore prosperity to her people alongside Maui. The trailer also teases the intimidating yet adorable Kakamora tribe, hinting at the adventures to come.

Meet the Cast

Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui in the highly anticipated live-action adaptation. - Image from https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/disney-s-live-action-moana-teaser-gives-first-look-catherine-laga-aia-and-dwayne-johnson-as-maui/ar-AA1QBMZU

Catherine Laga'aia makes her feature film debut as Moana, bringing a fresh perspective to the courageous wayfinding chieftess. The 17-year-old actress, who has Samoan heritage, expressed her excitement about representing Pacific Island cultures: "I'm honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me."

Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as Maui, returning to bring the tattooed demigod to life. Johnson previously shared insights into the physical transformation, noting the "couple of hours every day" spent in his bodysuit to achieve the character's iconic look.

The supporting cast includes:

John Tui as Moana's no-nonsense father, Chief Tui
Frankie Adams as Moana's playful and strong-willed mother, Sina
Rena Owen as the revered Gramma Tala

Behind the Scenes

Directed by Hamilton Tony winner Thomas Kail, the film represents a swift turnaround for Disney, with the live-action release just 10 years after the original 2016 animation. Lin-Manuel Miranda returns as a producer and original songwriter, while Mark Mancina will compose the score. Auli'i Cravalho, the voice of Moana in the animated films, is also serving as an executive producer.

The production has emphasized cultural authenticity, with filming taking place in Hawaii and the cast reflecting Pacific Islander heritage. Johnson revealed the trailer on his Instagram, generating immediate excitement among fans.

When to Watch

Mark your calendars for July 10, 2026, when Disney's live-action "Moana" sails into theaters. The film arrives on the heels of Disney's other live-action remakes like "Snow White" and "Lilo & Stitch," continuing the studio's trend of reimagining animated classics.

"The live-action 'Moana' marks the tightest turnaround between an animated Disney film's original release and its live-action remake."

As Disney continues its expansion of the "Moana" universe with a billion-dollar sequel in 2024, this live-action adaptation promises to bring the oceanic adventure to life with breathtaking realism and heartfelt storytelling.