Disney’s live-action Moana brings the island of Motunui into a new format with a cast led by newcomer Catherine Laga’aia and returning franchise star Dwayne Johnson. Released in U.S. theaters on July 10, 2026, the film retells the story of a teenager chosen by the Ocean to cross the reef, find Maui and restore prosperity to her people.
The production keeps the central family and cultural relationships of the animated film while giving the characters a physical presence. Thomas Kail directs the PG-rated adventure, which runs for 1 hour and 55 minutes. Auli’i Cravalho, the voice of Moana in the animated films, serves as an executive producer rather than playing the live-action version.
Viewers looking for more family-friendly fantasy can also read our guide to Avatar Aang and the Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 cast.
Quick details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release date | July 10, 2026 |
| Director | Thomas Kail |
| Runtime | 1 hour 55 minutes |
| Rating | PG |
| Genre | Live-action musical adventure |
| Main stars | Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson |
| Distributor | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures |
Cast at a glance
| Actor | Character | Role in the story |
|---|---|---|
| Catherine Laga’aia | Moana | A determined teenager chosen by the Ocean to save Motunui |
| Dwayne Johnson | Maui | A powerful and boastful demigod who becomes Moana’s reluctant partner |
| John Tui | Chief Tui | Moana’s protective father and the leader of Motunui |
| Frankie Adams | Sina | Moana’s supportive mother |
| Rena Owen | Gramma Tala | Moana’s grandmother and spiritual guide |
Catherine Laga’aia as Moana
Catherine Laga’aia takes over one of Disney’s most recognizable modern roles. Moana is the daughter of Motunui’s chief, but her connection to the Ocean pulls her beyond the life that has been planned for her. She is curious, stubborn and willing to accept responsibility even when the adults around her believe the safest choice is to remain behind the reef.
Laga’aia was selected after an extensive search for an actor who could carry the musical numbers, physical adventure and cultural weight of the role. The live-action version gives Moana a more visibly human vulnerability. She is not an experienced warrior or sailor when the journey begins. Her courage develops through mistakes, persistence and a growing understanding of her family’s history.
The role is Laga’aia’s major feature-film breakthrough. Her performance is central to whether the adaptation feels like a meaningful retelling rather than a scene-by-scene recreation.
Dwayne Johnson as Maui
Dwayne Johnson plays Maui, the shape-shifting demigod whose stolen actions helped create the crisis threatening Moana’s island. Johnson also voiced Maui in the 2016 animated film and its sequel, making him the main performer to carry the same character from animation into live action.
Maui enters the story as a celebrated figure who is used to being praised in legends. His confidence hides insecurity, particularly when his magical fishhook is lost or his heroic reputation is challenged. The partnership with Moana forces him to stop treating her as an inconvenience and recognize her as a capable wayfinder.
Johnson’s physical presence naturally fits the larger-than-life character, but the role also depends on comic timing and emotional openness. Fans of action-heavy fantasy casts may also enjoy our guide to the Masters of the Universe cast.
John Tui as Chief Tui
John Tui plays Chief Tui, Moana’s father and the leader responsible for protecting Motunui. Tui’s refusal to let Moana sail beyond the reef comes from fear and experience rather than a lack of faith in his daughter.
The character represents the tension between safety and growth. He wants Moana to prepare for leadership on the island, while she senses that leadership may require confronting a danger beyond it. Tui is therefore not simply an obstacle. He is a parent trying to prevent the next generation from repeating painful mistakes.
John Tui is known for roles in Young Rock, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies and several Power Rangers productions.
Frankie Adams as Sina
Frankie Adams portrays Sina, Moana’s mother. Sina understands her daughter’s restlessness more clearly than Tui does, but she also recognizes the risks of openly challenging the chief’s decisions.
In many versions of the story, Sina is the calm bridge between Moana and Tui. She offers practical support without removing the danger or making Moana’s choices for her. Adams is best known to science-fiction audiences for playing Bobbie Draper in The Expanse.
Readers interested in more science-fiction viewing can explore our list of the best sci-fi movies on Netflix.
Rena Owen as Gramma Tala
Rena Owen plays Gramma Tala, Moana’s grandmother and the person most willing to discuss Motunui’s forgotten wayfinding history. Tala is playful, unconventional and spiritually connected to the Ocean.
Her bond with Moana gives the story its emotional foundation. Tala does not push Moana toward adventure because it is exciting. She helps her understand why the journey matters and why the island’s past has been hidden.
Owen brings extensive experience to the role, including performances in Once Were Warriors, Star Wars: Episode II and the television series The Orville.
Is Auli’i Cravalho in the live-action Moana?
Auli’i Cravalho does not play Moana in the live-action film. Catherine Laga’aia takes the title role, while Cravalho remains involved behind the scenes as an executive producer.
That decision allows a new Polynesian performer to lead the adaptation while keeping Cravalho connected to the franchise she helped establish.
What is the live-action Moana about?
The story follows Moana as she answers a call from the Ocean and sails beyond Motunui’s reef. She must find Maui and complete a dangerous mission capable of restoring the natural balance that supports her people.
The broad premise remains familiar, but the live-action format emphasizes the physical scale of the voyage, the dangers of the sea and the relationships within Moana’s family. For another adventure built around a young hero accepting a larger responsibility, see our Spider-Man: Brand New Day cast and story guide.
Final thoughts on the Moana 2026 cast
The live-action Moana cast combines an important new discovery with experienced performers who understand large-scale fantasy. Catherine Laga’aia has the most difficult assignment because she must make the character her own while respecting a performance audiences already love.
Dwayne Johnson provides continuity as Maui, and John Tui, Frankie Adams and Rena Owen give Moana’s home life enough emotional weight to make her departure meaningful. The casting works best when the film treats Motunui as a community rather than merely the place the heroine leaves behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Catherine Laga’aia plays Moana in Disney’s 2026 live-action adaptation.
Yes. Dwayne Johnson reprises Maui after voicing the demigod in the animated Moana films.
Rena Owen plays Gramma Tala, Moana’s grandmother and spiritual guide.
Cravalho is not the live-action Moana, but she serves as an executive producer.
The movie opened in U.S. theaters on July 10, 2026.