Disney has released a full-length trailer for its live-action Moana, offering the most detailed look yet at Dwayne Johnson as Maui—and moving beyond earlier teasers and set photos that only hinted at the transformation. The newly unveiled footage puts Johnson front and center in the role he originally voiced, now fully realized on screen alongside Catherine Laga'aia as Moana.
According to People, the trailer expands on what audiences first saw in late 2025, showcasing Johnson’s physical portrayal of the larger-than-life demigod, complete with long hair and signature tattoos. It also highlights Laga'aia’s performance, including her singing voice, while reintroducing familiar elements from the original film, such as Tamatoa.
Per Disney’s official synopsis, “Moana answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.”
The project builds on a franchise that has already proven its global reach. The original Moana, released in 2016, became a major box office success and led to a 2024 sequel, with Johnson voicing Maui in both.
The live-action version is directed by Thomas Kail and includes Auli‘i Cravalho—who voiced Moana in the animated films—as an executive producer. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who contributed to the original soundtrack, is also attached as a producer.
Johnson has previously addressed the physical demands of stepping into Maui’s live-action role. “That [suit] is a couple of hours every day of transforming, putting that on,” he said.
Casting for the film also includes John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, rounding out Moana’s family. Laga'aia, an 18-year-old newcomer, takes on the title role as the story follows her character’s first journey beyond her home island.
The live-action version of Moana is scheduled to hit theaters on July 10.
