Disney's live-action 'Moana' teaser impresses with lush worlds, bold magic and an unexpected tease
Disney has officially unveiled the first teaser for its anticipated live-action 'Moana' remake, and the ocean has never looked more explosive, surreal, or visually daring. The film, directed by Thomas Kail, is set to crash into theaters on July 10, 2026, as reported by Polygon. Newcomer Catherine Laga'aia is stepping into the role of the adventurous wayfinder, and Dwayne Johnson is reprising his fan-favorite turn as the shape-shifting demigod Maui. From the teaser's opening moments, it's clear this reimagining isn't playing small. Sweeping ocean vistas, roaring storms, and glowing islands fill the screen.
Laga'aia's Moana is introduced through the iconic ballad 'How Far I'll Go', echoing the 2016 animated film yet adding a fresh emotional tone as she stands on the edge of Motunui, ready to defy tradition. Though positioned as "live-action," the visuals are undeniably heightened. Water surges upward like a character in its own right, creatures burst into impossible motion, and Maui shifts effortlessly from human form to a bug and then a soaring bird. Fans immediately drew comparisons to Disney's recent CGI-heavy remakes: 'The Lion King', 'The Little Mermaid', and 'The Jungle Book'.
But the moment that truly broke the internet arrives in the teaser's final seconds. Just when viewers think the reveal is over, a familiar screech pierces the screen. Hei Hei, Moana's oblivious chicken companion, pops into frame and lets out a startled cry, confirming his return and providing a burst of comedic nostalgia. Alongside the leads, the cast includes John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as the wise and warm Gramma Tala. The teaser also gives a glimpse of the Kakamora, the spiky, coconut-armored tribe, and the vibrant community of Motunui, setting the stage for Moana's transformative ocean voyage.
The story once again follows Moana's daring decision to venture far beyond the reef to save her island. She teams up with Maui as they face towering monsters, magical obstacles, and the mysteries of the open sea. Kail directs from a script by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, with Johnson producing alongside Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda, who earned an Oscar nomination for 'How Far I’ll Go', returns as a producer, while Auli'i Cravalho, the original Moana, serves as an executive producer. Johnson first voiced Maui in the 2016 animated classic from directors John Musker and Ron Clements.
It became a global hit that grossed $643 million at the box office, roughly $870 million when adjusted to today's numbers, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Disney's push for live-action reinventions remains full steam ahead. The studio recently restarted development on a new version of 'Tangled' and celebrated major successes with 'Lilo & Stitch' and Barry Jenkins' 'Mufasa: The Lion King'. With Moana now joining the lineup, the company is doubling down on reimagining its animated catalog for a new generation. If the trailer is any indication, this oceanic epic is preparing to deliver massive scale, lush world-building, and a wave of nostalgic callback.