About Moana (2026)

Life on Motunui gives Moana a clear place within her family and community,
but the ocean continues to pull her attention beyond the island’s reef.
When staying close to home is no longer enough to protect the people around
her, she accepts a responsibility that takes her into unfamiliar waters.

Her path soon crosses with Maui, a confident demigod whose strength and
experience make him valuable, even when cooperation does not come easily.
Their partnership places Moana between the expectations she grew up with
and the leader she is gradually becoming.

The 2026 movie retells the central adventure of the animated Moana through live performers, physical sets and digital
environments. It is a remake rather than a continuation of
Moana 2, so viewers do not need to watch the animated sequel before
starting this version. Disney released the live-action film in U.S.
theaters on July 10, 2026.

What to Expect Before Watching

Adventure, Music and Live-Action Style

The story remains built around ocean travel, family responsibility, mythic
characters and music. Its setting moves between the close-knit life of
Motunui and the much less predictable world beyond the reef, giving the
adventure a clear contrast between safety and discovery.

Live actors change the way familiar relationships are presented. Moana’s
determination comes through Catherine Lagaʻaia’s physical performance,
while Maui’s size, confidence and comic attitude are carried by Dwayne
Johnson rather than an animated design. The movie also combines filmed
performances with visual effects for its ocean, creatures and larger
fantasy elements.

Viewers who know the 2016 version will recognize the central characters and
broad direction of the story. The main reason to approach this edition is
therefore its live-action presentation rather than the expectation of a
completely different narrative.

Family Suitability and Content Advisory

Moana is rated PG for action and peril, some scary images, rude humor and brief thematic elements. Younger children may react more strongly
to threatening fantasy figures or moments of danger, although the rating
does not indicate graphic violence or adult-oriented content. Parents
should consider how comfortable their child is with tense adventure scenes
and intimidating creatures.

Cast and Character Guide

Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana

Moana is the daughter of Motunui’s chief, but her role involves more than
preparing to follow an established path. Her connection to the ocean
pushes her to question where leadership begins and how far she must go to
help her community. Lagaʻaia makes her feature-film debut in the title role.

Dwayne Johnson as Maui

Maui is a powerful demigod with an enormous sense of confidence. He becomes
Moana’s difficult travelling partner, bringing experience, humor and
conflict to the voyage. Johnson previously voiced Maui in both animated
Moana films.

John Tui as Chief Tui

Chief Tui is Moana’s father and the leader of Motunui. His concern for his
daughter is tied to his responsibility for the island, which places him on
the opposite side of Moana’s desire to explore beyond the reef.

Frankie Adams as Sina

Sina is Moana’s mother. Her role provides a calmer connection between
Moana’s personal ambitions and the family relationships she risks leaving
behind when she accepts the ocean’s call.

Rena Owen as Gramma Tala

Gramma Tala is Moana’s grandmother and one of the strongest influences on
her understanding of the ocean, her people and their past. She encourages
Moana to pay attention to the part of herself that does not fit comfortably
within the island’s usual boundaries.

Related Moana Movies and Similar Adventures

Moana (2016)

The animated original is the clearest companion to the live-action film.
It introduces Moana, Maui, Motunui and the central voyage in the format
that first established the franchise. Watching it also makes the
live-action creative choices easier to compare.

Moana 2 (2024)

The animated sequel takes place after the original adventure and follows
Moana and Maui on another voyage. It belongs to the same franchise but does
not serve as required setup for the 2026 remake.

Lilo & Stitch (2025)

This Disney live-action adaptation is a useful next choice for viewers
interested in another island-set family story built around belonging,
responsibility and an unusual friendship. Unlike Moana, it mixes
science-fiction elements with its family comedy and drama.

Moana 2026 Movie Details

Frequently Asked Questions