Disney just pulled the curtain back on the first full trailer for the live-action Moana, and the internet is doing exactly what you’d expect: arguing. We’ve seen the teaser, but this new footage finally gives us a real look at Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as a flesh-and-blood Maui. It also introduces us to Catherine Laga‘aia, the 19-year-old Australian actress taking over the oars from Auli‘i Cravalho.
The movie hits theaters on July 10, 2026. That date is significant. It marks almost exactly ten years since the original animated film charmed the world. For some, it’s a nostalgic homecoming. For others, it’s a sign that Disney’s creative engine is stuck in a loop.
The Rock returns to the hook
Dwayne Johnson is making history here. He’s the first actor to play the same major Disney character in both the animated and live-action versions. Usually, Disney swaps the voice cast for big-name live-action stars. This time, the star was already there.
Johnson didn't just walk onto the set in a loincloth. He reportedly spent over two hours in the makeup chair every single day. To match Maui’s massive animated proportions, he wore a 40-pound prosthetic bodysuit. He’s gone on record saying it was "grueling" and incredibly hot under the Hawaiian sun.
Then there’s the hair. Maui’s signature mane is a character of its own. In the live-action version, the wig alone weighs about seven pounds once it gets wet. Director Thomas Kail, who famously helmed Hamilton, wanted the water to feel like a real threat and a real ally. That meant Johnson spent a lot of time soaked to the bone, hauling around extra weight.
Is it just a shot for shot remake
The biggest complaint bubbling up on social media after the trailer dropped is the "deja vu" factor. Many scenes look like direct mirrors of the 2016 original. We see Moana discovering the heart of Te Fiti. We see Maui’s "You're Welcome" dance. We see the Kakamora—those adorable, coconut-clad pirates—looking surprisingly realistic.
Critics are asking a fair question. Why do this again so soon? Moana 2 only just hit theaters in late 2024. Pumping out a live-action version less than two years later feels like a whirlwind. But Disney is betting on the "mana" of the story.
The production team, which includes Lin-Manuel Miranda and original screenwriter Jared Bush, argues that seeing these Pacific Island cultures represented by actual people adds a layer of depth animation can’t touch. The cast is packed with talent from the region:
- John Tui as Chief Tui
- Frankie Adams as Sina
- Rena Owen as Gramma Tala
Real water and digital magic
Visually, the film looks stunning, but it’s walking a tightrope. Transitioning from the vibrant, neon-soaked palette of animation to "real-world" lighting can sometimes make movies look muddy. Think back to the criticisms of the Lion King remake.
The Moana trailer seems to lean into the saturated blues of the Pacific, which is a relief. However, the CG elements—like Maui’s sentient tattoos and the lava demon Te Kā—have to blend with real actors. When Maui’s tattoos start moving on The Rock’s actual skin, it’s either going to be a technical marvel or a trip straight into the uncanny valley.
What to expect in July 2026
If you’re a fan of the music, you’re in luck. The trailer confirms the classic hits are back. Catherine Laga‘aia’s version of "How Far I'll Go" sounds powerhouse, even in the brief snippets we've heard. Thomas Kail has hinted that the songs might feel "inherently different" because they’re being performed in a physical space rather than a recording booth.
Expect a massive marketing blitz as we get closer to the summer release. Disney needs this to be a win. After some mixed results with recent remakes, they’re leaning hard on the star power of the world’s biggest actor and a story that already has a massive, loyal fanbase.
Check the official Disney YouTube channel to see the footage yourself. It's worth watching just to see how they handled the Ocean as a living character. If you're planning to see it, mark your calendar for the July 10 premiere. You might want to re-watch the 2016 original first just to see how many "Easter eggs" the live-action team managed to tuck into the background.
Next Steps: Watch the new trailer on YouTube to see the live-action Kakamora in action, then compare the "I Am Moana" sequence to the 2016 version to see how the cinematography has changed.
