‘Moana’ live-action remake sets Disney+ streaming release date after digital debut
Disney’s live-action Moana remake is heading to Disney+ after its digital debut. The film will begin streaming on the platform on October 21, giving viewers another chance to watch the island adventure starring Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson. Johnson reprises his role as the demigod Maui. Directed by Thomas Kail, the adaptation brings the 2016 animated story into live action with new performances, familiar characters, and music from the original creative team.
The plot revolves around Moana, a teenage wayfinder on the island of Motunui who has a special connection with the ocean that surrounds her island. Chosen by the Ocean to help restore prosperity to her people, Moana sets out on a voyage to return the heart of Te Fiti. In the course of her journey, Moana encounters Maui, a demigod with immense powers whose eccentric character makes him an interesting travel companion.
The supporting cast includes John Tui as Chief Tui, Moana’s father; Frankie Adams as Sina, her mother; and Rena Owen as her grandmother, Gramma Tala. Jemaine Clement voices Tamatoa, the shiny king crab. The film also features Moana’s animal companions, Pua and Heihei, alongside the Kakamora and the fiery Te Ka. Auli'i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated films, serves as an executive producer on the live-action adaptation.
The production combined location shooting in Hawai'i with studio work in Georgia. Filming took place on O'ahu, where the coastline and mountainous scenery helped bring Motunui’s natural environment to life. The production also used Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, Georgia, for studio work and motion-capture performances. Georgia State University’s Creative Media Industries Institute contributed motion-capture support, including choreography for the musical number "You’re Welcome," fire-dancing sequences, and movements for Moana and Maui. The work helped translate Polynesian artists' performances into the film’s visual world.
Disney has not officially announced a live-action adaptation of 'Moana 2'. The existing 'Moana 2' is the animated sequel released in 2024, which follows Moana and Maui on a new voyage after Moana receives a call from her wayfinding ancestors. Dwayne Johnson is known for the 'Fast & Furious' franchise, 'Jumanji' films, and 'Black Adam.' Laga’aia, meanwhile, makes her feature film debut with 'Moana,' taking on the lead role after Auli'i Cravalho voiced the character in the animated films.
