Moana is having a sequel, AND we shall see live-action on the big screen!
One of Disney’s finest recent projects, 2016’s Moana, was celebrated as a captivating, animated adventure. Featuring exquisite animation, endearing characters, and memorable songs, the film earned two Academy Award nominations. Audiences worldwide were enchanted by the Polynesian-inspired setting of Moana, and the character Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) quickly became a beloved figure in the Disney Princess lineup despite her reluctance to embrace the princess title.
Dwane ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who did the voice-over of the demigod Maui, shared his excitement. He posted on his Instagram account how happy he was to bring the ‘beautiful story’ as live action on the big screen. The movie is significant to him because of his culture, which he is very proud of. In his Instagram post, he shared a video with his daughters, Tiana, 5, and Jasmine, 7, enjoying the beaches of Oahu, Hawaii, as he talks about the new live-action.
When will the Moana Live Action Movie be released?
The original 2016 film “Moana” can be streamed on Disney+, and the live-action version will hit theaters in July 2026. Meanwhile, the sequel, “Moana 2,” is set for a theatrical release on November 27, 2024.
Who Is in The Cast of Moana 2?
On February 8, 2024, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson announced to Entertainment Tonight that Moana had entered development and found its live-action lead. Johnson shared that discovering their new Moana involved an extensive “global search,” making the process particularly thrilling.
On June 12, 2024, Disney introduced Catherine Laga‘aia, a 17-year-old from Sydney, Australia, as the live-action Moana. Laga‘aia expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites.” She highlighted her Samoan heritage, with her grandfather from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i and her grandmother from Leulumoega Tuai on ‘Upolu. Laga‘aia is honored to celebrate Samoa and Pacific Island peoples, representing young girls who look like her.
Representation is crucial to Auli’i Cravalho, Moana’s original voice actress, who has consistently advocated for Indigenous and queer communities through her work and public appearances. Cravalho was cast as Moana at just 14, becoming the first teenage and Polynesian Disney Princess. When the live-action Moana was announced, fans speculated about her return. In May 2023, Cravalho addressed these rumors on Instagram, confirming she would not reprise her role, emphasizing the importance of accurate representation in casting for the new adaptation.
What Will Moana Live-Action Movie Be About?
Catherine Laga’aia will sail on a mission to Motunui and beyond as the adventurous teenager in Disney’s upcoming live-action.
The film’s synopsis teases “a grand new adventure with Moana, Maui, and an unexpected crew of seafarers. When Moana receives a surprising call from her wayfinding ancestors, she must set sail to the distant seas of Oceania, venturing into perilous, forgotten waters for a journey unlike any she has experienced before.” Moana’s live-action adaptation will bring to life the story of a young woman determined to carve her own path, celebrating Pacific Islander culture through a spectacular adventure.
Filming begins this summer, with production led by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia of Seven Bucks Productions, along with Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the original songs, will also produce. Executive producers include Scott Sheldon of FlynnPictureCo. and Auli‘i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana in the 2016 film.
Where Will I Be Able to Watch Moana?
Moana will set sail on a daring mission to save her people, and to watch that, you can check theatres for its release in July 2026.
Is There a Trailer for Moana?
The new live-action movie is still in its initial phase. We will most probably see the trailer closer to the release date, which is July 2026. For now, there is no trailer or teaser of the new film.
What’s Next?
As for now, these are the only updates available. For more information, watch out this space!
