The ocean calls once more. The first official trailer for Moana: Live Action (2026) has just dropped, and Dwayne Johnson returns to the role of Maui, alongside Catherine Lagaʻaia as Chief Tui, in a stunning live-action reimagining of Disney’s beloved 2016 animated classic.
Directed by Jon Favreau (The Lion King, The Jungle Book), Moana: Live Action brings the heartwarming adventure of the spirited island girl Moana to life in breathtaking, cinematic detail. With the help of Maui, the shape-shifting demigod, Moana embarks on a daring journey to save her people and restore the heart of Te Fiti. Along the way, she discovers her true destiny, while battling both external forces and the doubts within herself.
The teaser opens with a breathtaking shot of the vast Pacific Ocean, the water shimmering under the moonlight. Moana (played by Auli’i Cravalho, reprising her role) stands at the edge of a cliff, looking out at the horizon as the sound of the ocean echoes in the background. Her voiceover rings out: “I am Moana of Motunui. And I am not afraid.”
Key moments from the trailer include:
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Maui (Johnson) appearing from the waves, larger than life, with his signature hook and mischievous grin, as he forms an unlikely alliance with Moana
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Stunning visual effects bringing the ocean to life, with massive waves and magical creatures rising from the deep as Moana sets sail on her journey
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Chief Tui (Lagaʻaia), Moana’s overprotective father, confronting Moana’s decision to venture beyond the reef, leading to a poignant father-daughter moment filled with love, fear, and hope
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Moana discovering the heart of Te Fiti and unlocking her inner strength, as she faces trials that test both her courage and wisdom
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A powerful scene where Maui teaches Moana to embrace her leadership, all while the two characters share lighthearted banter and moments of emotional depth
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The terrifying face-off against Te Kā, the lava monster, as Moana and Maui must work together to restore balance to the ocean and save their islands
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A breathtaking final shot of Moana’s boat gliding across the vast, magical ocean as the sun rises, symbolizing the dawn of her new journey
The film promises to deliver the magic, music, and adventure fans loved from the original animated film, but with the added depth and realism of live-action. The stunning visuals, combined with Johnson’s larger-than-life presence and the emotional core of Moana’s journey, make this a must-see for fans old and new.
Social media is already buzzing with excitement, with hashtags like #MoanaLiveAction, #DwayneJohnsonMaui, and #OceanAdventure trending globally.
Moana: Live Action (2026) is set to hit theaters on November 24, 2026, with a global IMAX release.
One ocean. One island. And a girl destined to restore the balance of the world. 🌊🌟
