'Moana' called by the sea in new live-action trailer starring Catherine Laga'aia
The teaser trailer for the live-action reimagining of "Moana" has arrived.
Starring Catherine Laga'aia as Moana, the teaser shares a first-look at the live-action adventure, featuring the beloved story of a young woman who answers the ocean's call and voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui.
The teaser opens the same way as the animated film, with a young Moana's first encounter with the ocean, luring her in with a seashell and enveloping her.
It also features a giant hawk transforming into the demigod Maui (portrayed by Dwayne Johnson, who is reprising his role from the animated films), before diving into the ocean.
Laga'aia appears onscreen at the end of the teaser as wayfinder Moana, singing, "I am Moana!"
The upcoming film is directed by Emmy and Tony Award winner Thomas Kail and is produced by Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Auli'i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in both animated "Moana" films, also serves as an executive producer.
Along with Laga'aia and Johnson, the cast includes John Tui as Moana's father Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Moana's mother Sina, and Rena Owen as Moana's Gramma Tala.
Johnson first revealed that a "Moana" live-action was coming in 2023, sharing a recorded video filmed on the Hawaiian island of Oahu with daughters Jasmine and Tiana.
A press release at the time added that the film will "celebrate the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders as seen through the eyes of a young woman eager to pave her own path."
The live-action reimagining of "Moana" sails into theaters on July 10, 2026.
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