Moana Live-Action 2026: Dwayne Johnson Returns as Maui, Cast, Reviews and Disney+ Release

Dwayne Johnson returned as Maui in Disney's live-action remake of Moana, released in US theaters on July 10, 2026. Directed by Thomas Kail, the musical adventure stars Australian actress Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana, replacing Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced the character in the animated films. The remake earned approximately $323.9 million worldwide against a reported $250 million production budget. Although audiences responded more favorably than critics, the film struggled to match the commercial success of Disney's animated franchise. Moana began streaming on Disney+ on October 21, 2026.

Moana Live-Action Quick Facts

Dwayne Johnson Returns as Maui in Live-Action Moana

Dwayne Johnson reprises Maui, the powerful, shape-shifting demigod he originally voiced in Disney's 2016 animated Moana and its 2024 sequel.

The remake marks Johnson's first live-action appearance as the character. His portrayal combines physical performance, elaborate makeup, costumes and computer-generated effects to recreate Maui's supernatural abilities and distinctive tattoos.

Johnson has emphasized the personal significance of the role, particularly its connections to his Samoan heritage and Polynesian storytelling traditions.

He also served as a producer through Seven Bucks Productions, working alongside Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Beau Flynn and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Who Plays Moana in the 2026 Remake?

Catherine Lagaʻaia, an Australian actress of Samoan heritage, portrays Moana in the live-action adaptation.

Disney announced her casting in June 2024, when she was 17 years old. Her selection introduced a new performer to one of Disney's most recognizable contemporary characters.

Lagaʻaia described the opportunity as personally meaningful because of her cultural background and connection to the Pacific Islands.

Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 animated original and Moana 2, did not return as the live-action lead. Instead, she joined the production as an executive producer.

Moana Live-Action Cast

The supporting cast includes actors with Pacific Island heritage. John Tui plays Moana's father, Chief Tui, Frankie Adams portrays her mother, Sina, and Rena Owen appears as her grandmother, Tala.

What Is the Live-Action Moana About?

The film follows Moana, a courageous young woman from the island of Motunui who feels called to explore the ocean beyond her home.

When a mysterious environmental crisis threatens her community, she sets sail to find the demigod Maui and restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti.

During their journey, Moana and Maui face dangerous waters, mythical creatures and challenges that test their determination.

The story retains the original film's themes of family, leadership, cultural identity and finding the courage to pursue one's destiny.

Rather than introducing a substantially different narrative, the live-action adaptation closely follows the 2016 animated movie.

Who Directed the Moana Live-Action Remake?

Thomas Kail directed Disney's 2026 adaptation.

Kail is best known for directing the Broadway productions of Hamilton and In the Heights, as well as the filmed presentation of Hamilton released on Disney+.

His experience with musical theater informed the production's approach to large-scale musical sequences and character-driven storytelling.

The screenplay was written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, combining Bush's connection to the original animated film with Miller's experience in Pacific Island storytelling.

Does the Live-Action Moana Feature the Original Songs?

The film retains familiar music from the animated original, including How Far I'll Go and You're Welcome.

Its soundtrack features songs associated with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina, with Mancina also composing the instrumental score.

The adaptation introduces a new song titled Along the Way, written by Miranda.

These musical elements preserve an important part of the animated film's identity while adapting the performances for a live-action production.

Moana 2026 Box Office: How Much Did the Movie Earn?

According to Box Office Mojo and The Numbers, the live-action Moana earned approximately $323.93 million worldwide.

The film opened with approximately $43.14 million during its first domestic weekend.

The Numbers lists its production budget at approximately $250 million, making its commercial performance modest relative to the reported production cost.

However, worldwide ticket sales cannot be compared directly with production costs to determine profit. Studios receive only part of box office revenue, while marketing and distribution expenses create additional costs.

Disney has not provided a complete public profit-and-loss statement establishing the film's final financial outcome.

Moana Live-Action Reviews: What Did Critics and Audiences Think?

The remake received mixed-to-negative reviews from professional critics, while audience reactions were considerably more positive.

Rotten Tomatoes recorded a critics' approval rating of 33% from 198 reviews, compared with an 87% positive score from more than 1,000 verified audience ratings.

Critics frequently questioned the need to remake a successful animated film only a decade after its release.

Some argued that the adaptation closely reproduced the original's characters, musical sequences and story without introducing enough creative changes to justify its existence.

Positive responses highlighted Lagaʻaia's performance, the film's visual environments and its effort to bring Polynesian storytelling to live-action cinema.

The difference between critic and audience scores suggests that viewers familiar with the original often appreciated the return of its characters and music, even when reviewers found the remake less distinctive.

How Does Moana 2026 Compare With the Original?

The 2016 animated film remains particularly notable for its distinctive animation, memorable soundtrack and original approach to Pacific-inspired adventure storytelling.

The 2026 remake emphasizes live-action performances, physical settings and more realistic visual effects while preserving most of the existing story.

Where Can You Watch Moana Live-Action in 2026?

Disney's live-action Moana became available on Disney+ on October 21, 2026, following its theatrical release in July.

Disney's official movie page also lists digital purchase and Blu-ray options.

Streaming access and purchasing options may differ by country and subscription plan.

The film carries a PG rating and has a runtime of one hour and 55 minutes.

Is the 2026 Moana a Sequel to Moana 2?

No. The 2026 film is a live-action adaptation of the original 2016 animated Moana.

Moana 2, released in November 2024, is a separate animated sequel featuring the return of Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson as voice actors.

The live-action film does not continue the sequel's storyline. It retells Moana's first ocean voyage and her partnership with Maui.

Conclusion

Dwayne Johnson returned as Maui in Disney's live-action Moana, released in July 2026 with Catherine Lagaʻaia playing the title character.

Directed by Thomas Kail, the remake combined live-action performances, visual effects and familiar music from the 2016 animated original.

The film earned approximately $323.9 million worldwide against a reported $250 million production budget. Although critics generally questioned its creative necessity, verified audience ratings were substantially more favorable.

Since October 21, 2026, the film has been available on Disney+, giving audiences another way to experience Moana and Maui's original ocean adventure.