Disney has now announced that newcomer Katherine LaGaia will be taking over the role, replacing original voice actress Auli'i Cravalho.
The cast also includes New Zealand actor John Tui as Moana's strict father, Chief Tui, Samoan-New Zealand star Frankie Adams as Moana's mother, Cina, and New Zealander Lena Owen as the priest, Granny Tala.
“Moana” is the latest in a long history of Disney remakes in recent years, from “Beauty and the Beast” to “Aladdin,” and “Mulan” to “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid.”
So, without further ado, read on for everything we know so far about Disney's live-action remake. Not to be confused with Moana, the long-awaited sequel to the 2016 hit animated film, which is also coming out soon. We'll also tell you who else will be in the cast, when the movie will be released, and more.
Moana live action movie release date
The film is scheduled to be released in Australian cinemas on July 9, 2026, followed by a worldwide release on July 10, 2026.
Filming is scheduled to begin in summer 2024.
Johnson confirmed that a live-action film was in the works in an Instagram video featuring his two young daughters in April 2023.
“I am so excited to announce that a live-action Moana is in the works,” he said in the video, promising the return of “Grandma Tala, the music, the dance, Te Fiti, Pua the pig, the village” and the “beautiful and powerful ocean.”
Moana live action movie cast
The currently confirmed cast list is as follows:
Dwayne Johnson (Maui), Katherine Lagaia (Moana), John Tui (Chief Tui), Frankie Adams (Cina), Lena Owen (Grandma Tala)
Dwayne Johnson, who voiced Maui in the original animated Moana and will reprise his role as the character in the live-action film, announced the project during a webcast for Disney's 2023 Annual Shareholders Meeting on Monday (April 3).
Meanwhile, the role of Moana, originally voiced by Auli'i Cravalho in the animated film, will be played by newcomer Katherine Lagaia.
“Moana is one of my favourites so I'm really excited to be playing this character,” the Sydney-based actress, daughter of Home and Away actor Jay LaGaia, said in a statement on Thursday.
“My grandfather is from Faala, Palauli, Savai'i, and my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai, Upolu, Samoa.”
She continued: “I'm honored to have the opportunity to celebrate Samoa and the Pacific Islander people and represent young girls like me.”
Moana stars Dwayne Johnson and Auli'i Cravalho. Barry King/WireImage
While Cravalho may not be returning to the big screen, he will instead serve as executive producer on the new film, saying he's excited to “pass the baton.”
“I believe it's absolutely important that casting accurately represents the characters and the story we want to tell, so as an executive producer on the film, I can't wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana's brave spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength,” she said in an Instagram video.
Cravalho continued, “I am truly honored to pass the baton to the next generation of young Pacific Islander women and celebrate the incredible Pacific Islander people, culture and community that inspired her story, and I look forward to seeing the beautiful Pacific Island representatives who will be coming forward.”
The original film, which was released in 2016 and was a huge box office success, also starred Rachel House, Nicole Scherzinger and Temuera Morrison, but it has not yet been announced whether they will return for the new live-action Moana film.
The film has personal meaning for Johnson, who has said he drew inspiration for the role from his real-life grandfather.
“This story is my culture and this story represents the grace and warrior strength of my people,” Johnson said in a press release.
“I proudly carry this culture on my skin and in my heart. Inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, Chief Peter Maivia, this once-in-a-lifetime reunion with the island of Maui was a very memorable experience for me.”
Cast details have yet to be announced, but stay tuned for upcoming developments!
read more:
Is there a trailer for the live-action Moana movie?
We haven't heard anything yet, but there was an announcement video featuring Dwayne Johnson revealing that a live-action version of Moana is planned for release in April 2023.
“Moana” will be released in cinemas on July 10th.
Find out more about the film or visit our TV and streaming guides to see what's on. For more on TV's biggest stars, listen to the Radio Times podcast.
