Disney Live-Action “Moana”: Meet the Cast, Release Date & Everything We Know

By Aqsa
June 22, 2025
Reading Time: 6 mins

Disney is bringing Moana to life in a brand-new live-action adaptation, set to release in July 2026. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, while newcomer Catherine Laga’aia takes on the iconic role of Moana.

Meet the Cast: Live-Action vs. Animated Characters

Here a look at the actors stepping into the beloved roles from the 2016 animated film:

Character	Live-Action Actor	Animated Voice Actor
Moana	Catherine Laga’aia	Auli‘i Cravalho
Maui	Dwayne Johnson	Dwayne Johnson
Chief Tui	John Tui	Temuera Morrison
Sina	Frankie Adams	Nicole Scherzinger
Grandma Tala	Rena Owen	Rachel House

Cast Highlights:

Catherine Laga’aia (Moana) – A 17-year-old Australian-Samoan actress making her big-screen debut.
Dwayne Johnson (Maui) – Reprising his role from the animated film.
Rena Owen (Grandma Tala) – A veteran actress known for Once Were Warriors.

What is the Release Date?

Disney has set the live-action Moana to hit theaters on July 10, 2026. Originally planned for 2025, the film was delayed to allow more production time.

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What New in the Live-Action Version?

While the story stays true to the original, here what we know so far:
Same Music & Songs – Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the original songs, is back as a producer. Expect classics like How Far I’ll Go and You’re Welcome.
Real Filming Locations – The movie is being shot in Hawaii, bringing the Pacific Islands to life.
Deeper Cultural Representation – The cast includes actors with Polynesian roots, ensuring authenticity.
No Auli‘i Cravalho as Moana – Though she voiced Moana in the animated film, she now an executive producer instead.

Why Is This Movie Important?

- More Diversity– Disney continues to highlight Pacific Islander culture.
- Female Empowerment– Moana remains a strong, independent heroine with no love interest.
- Nostalgia + New Fans– A chance to introduce Moana to a new generation.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Q: Will the live-action Moana have the same songs?

A: Yes! Lin-Manuel Miranda, who composed the original music, is involved in the remake.

Q: Why isn’t Auli‘i Cravalho playing Moana?

A: She decided to pass the role to a new actress but remains as an executive producer.

Q: Is Dwayne Johnson singing in the live-action movie?

A: Most likely! He sang You’re Welcome in the animated film and may do it again.

Q: Will there be new characters?

A: No major changes have been announced, but small additions are possible.

Final Thoughts

The live-action Moana promises to be a visually stunning, culturally rich retelling of the beloved adventure. With a mix of returning favorites and fresh faces, it’s set to make waves in 2026.

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Aqsa

Aqsa is a passionate entertainment writer at CrystalPakistan.com, specializing in the latest movies, TV shows, celebrity news, and pop culture trends. With a knack for insightful analysis and a love for storytelling, she brings readers fresh takes on everything from viral moments to red carpet highlights. Whether it's breaking news or behind-the-scenes scoops, Aqsa keeps her audience informed and entertained. Follow CrystalPakistan Entertainment on social media for updates that are as exciting as your favorite binge-worthy series!

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