The film, slated for theatrical release on July 10, 2026, stars Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as demigod Maui and Catherine Laga'ia as Moana. Directed by Thomas Kail, the cast also includes Rena Owen, John Tui and Frankie Adams. Jemaine Clement returns to voice Tamatoa. The live-action "Moana" follows the two successful animated films, with the 2016 animated film grossing $687 million worldwide and the 2024 animated sequel earning $1.059 billion globally.
This live-action adaptation is the latest in a series of remakes of Disney animated classics, following films like "Beauty & the Beast," "Snow White," "Cinderella," "Dumbo," "The Jungle Book," "Aladdin," "Mulan," "The Little Mermaid," "The Lion King," and "Lilo & Stitch." The box office and critical reception for these remakes has varied significantly.
Early Social Media Reactions
The consensus of early social media reactions to the live-action "Moana" appears to be mixed, with some reactions being described as incredibly hostile, raising questions about the necessity of the remake.
MOANA (2026) shows just how far Disney will go for a quick and easy buck, producing another unnecessary, nearly shot-for-shot, beat-for-beat live-action remake that doesn’t offer anything new that wasn’t already done better just ten years ago. The visuals are so flat, with a… pic.twitter.com/wU4Klj2iYn
#Moana (2026) is PATHETIC! A shot-for-shot, line-by-line remake without a single original idea. A creatively bankrupt cash grab with ZERO interesting direction. They don't innovate; they imitate. Why watch this when Moana (2016) is on Disney+?! A soulless, miserable financial… pic.twitter.com/HmeyrJxe3X
Featured names
- First Reactions
- From Premiere
- Dwayne Johnson
- Catherine Laga
- International Editor
- Hollywood Bowl
- Motorcycle Stuntman
- Teni Melidonian
- Frankie Adams
- Jemaine Clement
- Rotten Tomatoes
- Composer Mark
- The Jungle Book
- The Little Mermaid
- The Lion King
- Jonathan Sim
- Germain Lussier
- Manuel Miranda
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Wes Anderson
- Academy Museum
- Elevator After
- Bottle Rocket
- Anniversary Event
- Critics While
- Defending Armie
- Hammer Movie
- Author David
- Antiheroes Led
- Book Subject
- Mickey Mouse
- Karlovy Vary
- Promises Winners
- Including Ukraine
- Film Project
- Rachel Zegler
- Lands Distribution
- From Bleecker
- Multiple Countries
- The Definitive Voice
- Speech Grounds
- Final Season
- Dutton Ranch
- New Showrunner
- Taylor Sheridan
- Christopher Nolan
- Star Stunned
- Heath Ledger
- The Dark Knight
- Tilly Norwood
- Make Feature
- Louise Lasser
- Mary Hartman
- Biggest Film
- Taylor Swift
- Travis Kelce
- Wedding Details
- Competing Cuts
- Creative Differences
- Being Bullied
- Joining Middle
- Digital Moana
