Disney has unveiled the official trailer for its live-action remake of Moana, giving fans their clearest and most detailed look yet at Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as the demigod Maui. The trailer was released on March 23, 2026, ahead of the film’s theatrical release on July 10, 2026. Disney’s official synopsis says Moana, played by Catherine Lagaʻaia, answers the ocean’s call and journeys beyond the reef of Motunui with Maui to restore prosperity to her people.
Epic Return to the Ocean’s Call
The trailer opens on sweeping island and ocean imagery as Moana sets out on another life-changing voyage. It revisits the emotional and adventurous spirit of the 2016 animated film while reimagining it in live action, with familiar story beats, large-scale ocean action, and the cultural world of Motunui brought to screen in a more realistic visual style.
Dwayne Johnson’s Live-Action Maui Takes Centre Stage
The biggest draw of the trailer is the extended look at Dwayne Johnson as Maui. Reprising the character he voiced in the animated film, Johnson appears in full costume with Maui’s signature tattoos, long hair, and larger-than-life presence. Entertainment Weekly also reported that Johnson’s transformation involved extensive prosthetics as Disney aimed for a tactile live-action interpretation of the beloved demigod.
New Faces, Familiar Magic
Alongside Johnson and Lagaʻaia, Disney lists John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen among the main cast. The trailer also brings back familiar creatures and visual elements from the animated original, including glimpses of fan-favorite characters and the grand mythic scale that defined the first film.
Fan Reactions Pour In
The trailer quickly sparked online conversation, with many viewers praising the scale, nostalgia, and the live-action recreation of iconic moments. At the same time, some reactions were mixed, particularly around Maui’s look, showing that the remake has already become one of Disney’s most talked-about upcoming releases.
-By Manoj H