Disney is moving forward with a live-action remake of its 2016 animated hit, Moana. A trailer released Monday confirms the film will largely mirror the original storyline, with Catherine Lagaʻaia starring as Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui.
Familiar Story, New Format
The live-action adaptation will follow Moana’s journey beyond her island home to answer the ocean’s call. Johnson, who voiced Maui in both Moana and Moana 2, returns to the character, promising a visually striking performance, including scenes of Maui transforming into various animals. The trailer also offers glimpses of other key characters like Heihei the rooster, Tamatoa the crab, and Te Kā.
Disney’s Remake Trend Continues
The Moana remake is the latest in Disney’s ongoing trend of adapting animated classics into live-action features. Snow White, Lilo & Stitch, and The Little Mermaid have all received similar treatments, with varying degrees of critical and commercial success. This strategy is clearly a core part of Disney’s current content approach.
Behind the Scenes
Directed by Thomas Kail—known for his work on the Broadway hit Hamilton —the remake is produced by Dwayne Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film is set for a theatrical release in the United States on July 10.
Disney’s continued reliance on live-action remakes highlights its focus on leveraging existing intellectual property. While the success of these projects varies, the strategy remains a key component of the company’s overall entertainment pipeline.
