Watch the first teaser trailer for the live action remake of ‘Moana’
The first teaser trailer for the live action remake of Moana has been released by Disney, before it is set to hit cinemas next summer.
The new film marks the quickest release of a live action recreation of any of Disney’s films, after the original animation was only released less than ten years ago, back in 2016.
However, there have been some marked changes to the ancient Polynesian adventure, namely with the titular lead role being taken over by breakout star Catherine Laga’aia, after it was originally voiced by Auli’i Cravalho.
In comments published by Variety, Laga’aia said: “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favourites.”
Explaining her ancestral connections to the culture Moana is set in, the 17-year-old actor went on to add: “I’m honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
Starring alongside Laga’aia in the movie is Dwayne Johnson, who is reprising his role of Maui in the original animation now for the live action stage.
Despite this, his authentic casting in the film was previously in doubt after it emerged that Disney initially considered creating an AI deepfake version of him, scanning his body to create a likeness while a body double would stand in for certain scenes.
Although Johnson was not seen in the current teaser trailer, it has been confirmed that he does appear in the film without AI, after the company ultimately decided against the move due to the threat of bad publicity.
The live action version of Moana will be released on July 10th, 2026.
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