New 'Moana' trailer showcases live-action Maui, Tamatoa and the Cave of the Ancestors

Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Lagaʻaia set sail in Thomas Kail's reimagining of the Disney classic

ByClara FaulknerOTRC logo
Monday, March 23, 2026
"Moana" 2026
Walt Disney Studios

LOS ANGELES -- "Cheeeehoooo!"

The story has just begun for a new generation of wayfinders.

Disney's live-action reimagining of "Moana" has officially arrived in an all-new trailer, starring Catherine Lagaaia as the heroine alongside Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his iconic role as the demigod Maui.

The trailer brings the magic of the animated classic to life, featuring an epic voyage across the sea, whales breaching the surface, and a look at the Cave of the Ancestors.

Fans will also recognize several familiar faces making their live-action debut, including the mischievous Kakamora, the stowaway rooster Heihei, and the "shiny" giant crab Tamatoa, whose collection of treasures is briefly showcased in all its golden glory.

The trailer also shows the live-action meeting between Maui and Moana, mirroring the iconic scene from the animated original.

"Maui.. Demigod of the wind and sea-" Moana says in the clip, only to be corrected by the ego-driven hero. "Hero of men," Maui responds. "So it goes like this: Maui, shapeshifter, demigod of the wind and sea... hero of men. Ah! Women, women too. Men and women!"

Beyond their introduction, audiences are treated to a look at the live-action adaptation of the treacherous Realm of Monsters and a terrifying glimpse of what appears to be the lava demon.

The stakes of the journey are front and center as Moana declares in the end of the trailer, "My island, my people... won't survive if we don't make it. The ocean chose me for a reason."

Supporting Moana's quest is an ensemble cast featuring John Tui as her father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams as her mother, Sina; and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.

While a new face takes on the title role, original voice actress Aulii Cravalho remains part of the production, serving as an executive producer for this live-action reimagining.

The film's signature sound also returns, featuring the original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i, and Mark Mancina.

"Moana" sails into theaters on July 10.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Disney and this ABC station.

Copyright © 2026 OnTheRedCarpet.com. All Rights Reserved.