It was only a matter of time before Walt Disney Animation Studios set its sights on adapting its more recent classics into live-action. Now, a new trailer for Moana offers another glimpse at how the studio is reinterpreting one of its biggest hits, while a new featurette celebrates the live-action reimagining’s artistry.
The new trailer provides a wider look at Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answering the Ocean’s call and embarking on a quest to voyage beyond the reef and save her home island of Motunui from the legendary Te Ka. Born into chiefhood, Moana is sea-loving, headstrong, strong-willed, and practically fearless. Along the way, she recruits the mischievous shapeshifting demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) to help her restore the heart of Tefiti.
Some of the new footage includes glimpses of island life of those who live on Montunui. These clips give us a better look at the people, the textiles, and the culture. At the same time, the trailer weaves in familiar moments from the animated original, giving audiences a clearer sense of how the film is translating beloved scenes into live-action. And, of course, there’s the use of “How Far I’ll Go” to help remind us of the animated original’s great music.
In addition to the new trailer release, Disney also posted an “Artistry of Moana” featurette. Offering a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of Moana, the featurette has commentary from Johnson, who feels responsible for how this movie is presented to audiences, because it showcases Polynesian culture. “You want to be protective, because the animated film was so good,” he said.
Shots of the practical set pieces, dancing, and costumes really spotlight the dedication to get this right. “On live-action Moana, everyone is making sure that every single aspect stays true to what Moana is about,” Laga’aia said. Director Thomas Kail added that they put together a remarkable team of artisans and crafts people. Costume designer Liz McGregor says getting to work on the film is her dream job because it involves her culture. And choreographer Tiana Nonosina Liufau said this movie means everything because seeing our faces on screen was very emotional.
In addition to Lagaʻaia and Johnson, the Moana cast includes John Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams, who portrays Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen as Moana’s revered Gramma Tala.
Moana brings together a producing team that includes Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Auliʻi Cravalho, who previously voiced Moana in the animated films, is also on board as an executive producer.
The live-action reimagining of Moana opens in U.S. theaters on July 10, 2026.
