Age of The Nerd
Grab your oars and prepare to sail, nerds — Disney has officially unleashed the first trailer and poster for its live-action Moana, and it’s already making waves. Set to hit theaters July 10, 2026, the reimagining brings newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia onboard as Moana herself, with Dwayne “The Rock (and Also Maui)” Johnson returning to flex both biceps and mythology as the shapeshifting demigod.
The trailer gives fans their first glimpse at the gorgeous world of Motunui, the mighty Maui in all his tattooed glory, a swarm of adorably chaos-loving Kakamora, and Lagaʻaia belting out a goosebump-worthy “I Am Moana.” If your heart didn’t immediately do the conch-shell call, check your pulse.
Alongside Lagaʻaia and Johnson, the film packs a strong Polynesian cast: John Tui steps in as Chief Tui, Moana’s steadfast (and reef-averse) father; Frankie Adams brings charm and heart as Moana’s fearless mom, Sina; and Rena Owen rounds out the family as the legendary Gramma Tala, keeper of wisdom and all things manta-ray-related.
This live-action take on the beloved, Oscar-nominated animated adventure follows Moana as she finally answers the Ocean’s call. With Maui reluctantly-ish at her side, she sets sail beyond the reef to restore harmony to Motunui — and, naturally, learn who she truly is along the way. Emmy and Tony winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton) takes the helm as director, with a powerhouse producing team including Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Auliʻi Cravalho — the original voice of Moana — also joins as an executive producer.
Disney promises the film will deliver the sweeping visuals, stirring songs, and emotional punch fans adore when it lands in U.S. theaters in 2026. So yes, you’ll want to start practicing your wayfinding skills now.
About Disney
Disney has been crafting live-action magic long before remakes were cool — dating back to 1950’s Treasure Island. Since then, the studio has teamed up with some of the industry’s most inventive filmmakers to produce unforgettable adventures, from pirate epics to reimagined classics like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aladdin, and The Jungle Book. They’ve also delivered a mix of whimsical, heartfelt, and just plain fun films including Jungle Cruise, Cruella, and the Emmy-winning Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers.
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