‘Moana’ live-action teaser out: Catherine Laga‘aia steps into the ocean with Dwayne Johnson

The ocean is calling once again, and this time in live action. The first teaser trailer for Disney’s upcoming remake of ‘Moana’ is finally out giving fans a full look at newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson returning as the mighty demigod Maui in the live action.

Just like the original 2016 animated hit, the new film follows Moana, a brave teenager chosen by the ocean as she sets out to save her island and her people. Johnson is back as Maui, the larger-than-life shapeshifter who becomes her unlikely guide.

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But while Maui feels familiar, Moana herself is a fresh new face this time. The role once voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho now belongs to 17-year-old Laga‘aia who brings her own roots and pride into the character.

Johnson shared the trailer on his Instagram on Monday sending fans into a wave of nostalgia and excitement. The movie is going to hit theatres on July 10, 2026.

Catch ‘Moana’ live action teaser trailer here:

For Laga‘aia, the film is more than just a major acting debut. She said the story resonates strongly with her Samoan heritage and gives her a chance to honour her culture on a global stage.

“I’m really excited to step into this role because Moana has always been one of my favourite characters,” she said in an interview with ‘Variety’. She shared that her grandfather is from Fa‘aala, Palauli in Savai‘i, and her grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai in Upolu, Samoa. “I feel honoured to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”

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The cast has John Tui as Chief Tui, Moana’s protective father; Frankie Adams as Sina, her warm and supportive mother; and Rena Owen as the wise and much-loved Gramma Tala.

The original animated film was a directorial of John Musker and Ron Clements, with a memorable soundtrack by Mark Mancina, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Opetaia Foa‘i. For the live-action version, some of the original creative minds are returning. Jared Bush, who worked on the animated screenplay, is back as co-writer along with Dana Ledoux Miller. The film is directed by Thomas Kail.

On the production side, Johnson teams up once more with Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Beau Flynn. Mark Mancina returns to score the music, while Lin-Manuel Miranda is on board as a producer.