Disney's Live-Action 'Moana' Movie Gets Bumped: Everything You Need to Know

Moana will be sailing onto the big screen once again...although not as soon as once promised.

Author:
Alexandra Hurtado
Updated:
Apr 5, 2024

A live-action reimagining of Disney's Moana is in the works. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who voiced the demigod Maui in the animated movie, revealed the news in a pre-recorded message, which was released during the Walt Disney Company’s shareholders' meeting, on April 3, 2023.

“I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen," he said in a statement. "This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me."

The original film featuring music written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina was released in 2016. The movie went on to receive Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature Film and Best Music (Original Song) for the hit tune "How Far I'll Go."

Before Moana returns to the water, here is everything we know so far about the live-action Moana movie, including details about whether Auli'i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original movie, will return.

When will the live-action Moana movie be released?

Moana will be released on July 10, 2026. The live-action movie was bumped back to 2026 after the animated Moana 2 was added to the schedule with a release date of Nov. 27, 2024. Moana 2 was originally supposed to be a TV series but was reworked.

What can fans expect from the live-action Moana movie?

Like Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana, the live-action film will "celebrate the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders as seen through the eyes of a young woman eager to pave her own path," per Disney.

According to Johnson, Moana, Grandma Tala, Te Fiti, Pua the pig, the village and the music will all be in the forthcoming film, in addition to Heihei the chicken and, of course, Maui.

Is there a trailer for the live-action Moana movie?

Fans will have to wait for the official trailer and any teasers. Until then, watch Johnson's message that was filmed on the island of O'ahu with his daughters, Tiana and Jasmine.

Who is in the live-action Moana cast?

While the cast for the live-action movie has not yet been revealed, Walt Disney Studios shared that Johnson "plans to return to the fictional world to set sail with Moana." He is producing the film along with Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions, and with Beau Flynn via FlynnPictureCo.

Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated flick, is one of the film's executive producers. But she announced on Instagram on May 19, 2023 that she would not reprise her role as Moana.

"When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career," she said. "In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell."

"As an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana's courageous spirit, undeniable wit, and emotional strength," she continued.

"I am truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honor our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures, and communities that helped inspired her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come. Mahalo."

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