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Disney Releases First Teaser for Live-Action Moana Ahead of July 2026 Theatrical Debut

Newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia takes the title role as Auliʻi Cravalho moves to executive producer and Dwayne Johnson reprises Maui under Hamilton director Thomas Kail.

Overview

  • Catherine Lagaʻaia is introduced as Moana in the teaser, which also confirms Dwayne Johnson’s return as Maui and reveals a July 10, 2026 U.S. release date.
  • The minute-long preview showcases Motunui, the Kakamora, and Lagaʻaia singing a signature line from the film’s anthem, while offering only brief glimpses of Johnson’s Maui.
  • Disney also unveiled the first poster and new images, launching the marketing campaign for the live-action reimagining of the 2016 animated hit.
  • Thomas Kail directs, with producers including Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia and Lin‑Manuel Miranda; Auliʻi Cravalho is among the executive producers.
  • Coverage notes the unusually fast turnaround—about a decade after the original—and reports mixed audience reactions that question the need for a near-identical remake.