Disney’s Live-Action Moana Brings a Classic Back to the Big Screen
Disney has released the first trailer for its live-action reimagining of Moana, and it makes a strong case for why this story deserves another turn on the big screen.
Newcomer Catherine Laga’aia steps into the title role, delivering a commanding presence as the young Polynesian wayfinder. Her performance of “How Far I’ll Go” in the trailer alone signals that this is not a hollow retread. Laga’aia takes ownership of the role, bringing her own energy to one of Disney’s most beloved characters.
Dwayne Johnson returns as the demigod Maui, reprising the role he played in the 2016 animated original. The trailer shows him fully inhabiting the character, moving tattoos and shape-shifting abilities intact. Johnson has spoken about the physical demands of the transformation, noting the costume and prosthetics added roughly 40 pounds to his frame.
Directed by Thomas Kail, the filmmaker behind the Broadway-to-screen adaptation of Hamilton, the film carries serious creative credentials. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who contributed songs to the original, returns as a producer alongside Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, and Hiram Garcia. Original songs by Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina carry over, with Mancina also composing the new score.
Disney is calling the film a reimagining rather than a straight remake. Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated film and its sequel, serves as executive producer. Moana arrives in theaters July 10.