Disney Reportedly Casting Live-Action Moana With Dwayne Johnson Returning as Maui

Overview

• A single report says Disney is developing a live-action Moana with Thomas Kail set to direct, Australian actress Catherine Laga'aia cast as Moana, and Dwayne Johnson returning to play Maui while also taking a producing role; these details are reported but not yet confirmed by Disney.
• The coverage states Brazil has a planned theatrical release on July 8, 2026, and that Johnson and the reported lead are expected to visit the country as part of a global publicity tour tied to the film's rollout.
• Sources describe the production as aiming to amplify Polynesian culture on screen through real locations, costumes and casting choices that favor Pacific-linked artists, reflecting the original film’s emphasis on navigation, community and ancestral knowledge.
• Thomas Kail’s reported attachment, given his work on stage-to-screen musicals, signals an emphasis on live musical staging and performance-driven scenes rather than a straight visual remake of the 2016 animation.
• Reporting is limited to one publisher and labels many elements as reported claims; independent confirmation from Disney is still needed and the project could change as production, casting and distribution plans are finalized.