Disney’s live-action reimagining of Moana unveiled its first teaser trailer on November 17, 2025, showcasing breakthrough Samoan actress Catherine Laga’aia in the titular role alongside Dwayne Johnson reprising his iconic voice role of Maui from the original animated films. The three-minute teaser opens with the same enchanting sequence as the 2016 animated classic—young Moana encountering the ocean for the first time—before revealing a visually stunning live-action adventure set to premiere July 10, 2026. Directed by Thomas Kail (Hamilton) and written by Jared Bush (original Moana) and Dana Ledoux Miller (Moana 2), the film features an ensemble cast including John Tui (Chief Tui), Frankie Adams (Sina), and Rena Owen (Gramma Tala), with original composer Mark Mancina returning and Lin-Manuel Miranda producing. The original 2016 Moana grossed $687.2 million globally, establishing the franchise as a cultural phenomenon, while Moana 2 (2024) became a box office juggernaut, proving continued global appetite for Polynesian storytelling.
Trailer Details and Official YouTube Link
Official Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw4wIOhIaQ0
Release Date: November 17, 2025
Duration: 2 minutes 30 seconds
Key Visuals: The teaser opens identically to the 2016 animated film with young Moana’s first encounter with the ocean, featuring visual effects showing the ocean’s wave formations and seashell luring her in. A stunning practical reveal of demigod Maui transforming from a giant hawk sets the tone before transitioning to Catherine Laga’aia’s live-action portrayal singing “I am Moana!” The trailer showcases the Motunui island setting, ocean voyages, and hints of the epic adventure to come.
Cast and Creative Team
Director: Thomas Kail (Emmy and Tony Award winner, known for Hamilton)
Screenplay: Jared Bush (original Moana writer), Dana Ledoux Miller (Moana 2 screenwriter)
Original Story: Based on the 2016 Disney animated film
Main Cast:
– Catherine Laga’aia as Moana (film debut, age 17, Samoan heritage from Savai’i and ‘Upolu)
– Dwayne Johnson as Maui (reprising his voice role from animated films)
– John Tui as Chief Tui, Moana’s father
– Frankie Adams as Sina, Moana’s mother
– Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, Moana’s grandmother
Producers: Dwayne Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Lin-Manuel Miranda
Executive Producer: Auli’i Cravalho (original Moana voice actress, 2016 & 2024 films)
Composer: Mark Mancina (returns from original films)
Production Company: Walt Disney Studios
Release Date: July 10, 2026
Original Moana (2016) Box Office Success
Worldwide Box Office: $687.2 million
– Domestic (US & Canada): $248.7 million
– International: $438.4 million
Production Budget: $150 million
Opening Weekend (Domestic): $56.6 million (22.8% of total gross)
Top International Markets:
1. Japan: $45.9 million
2. France: $35.5 million
3. China: $32.8 million
4. United Kingdom: $25.3 million
5. Brazil: $22.9 million
6. Australia: $19 million
7. Germany: $17 million
8. Italy: $15.9 million
9. South Korea: $15.5 million
Historic Achievement: Fourth consecutive Walt Disney Animation Studios film to reach both $500M and $600M milestones (after Frozen, Big Hero 6, and Zootopia)
Critical Reception: Two Academy Award nominations at 89th Oscars—Best Animated Feature, Best Original Song (“How Far I’ll Go”)
Cultural Impact: Celebrated for authentic Pacific Islander representation and empowering female protagonist storytelling
Moana 2 (2024) Box Office Phenomenon
Worldwide Box Office: Over $1.1 billion (one of 2024’s highest-grossing films)
Domestic Opening Weekend: $221 million (second-highest animated opening ever)
International Success: Dominated global markets with especially strong performance in Asia-Pacific regions
Awards Recognition: Nominated for Best Animated Feature at 97th Academy Awards
Cultural Phenomenon: Continued celebration of Polynesian storytelling and representation alongside powerful musical compositions by Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Dwayne Johnson, and Mark Mancina
About Catherine Laga’aia: The New Face of Moana
Catherine Laga’aia, a 17-year-old Samoan actress making her film debut, brings genuine Pacific Islander heritage to the role of Moana. Her grandfather hails from Fa’aala, Palauli, in Savai’i, and her grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. In her official statement, Laga’aia expressed her excitement: “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.” Her casting represents Disney’s commitment to authentic representation in live-action adaptations, ensuring the character embodies genuine Polynesian culture and heritage rather than relying on international stars.
