Disney's new teaser for the live-action remake of Moana: Dwayne Johnson return as Maui is making waves

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Disney’s new teaser for the live-action remake of Moana — and why Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s return as Maui is making waves

What the Teaser Reveals

  1. First Live-Action Glimpse

    • Disney dropped a roughly 1-minute teaser on November 17, offering fans their first real look at the live-action Moana.

    • The clip opens on Catherine Lagaʻaia (the new Moana) singing a line that nods to the original: “I am a girl who loves my island … and the girl who loves the sea.” 

    • We also get sweeping visuals: lush shots of Motunui (Moana’s island home), the ocean, and glimpses of her childhood. 

  2. Maui Is Back

    • Dwayne Johnson returns in his role as the demigod Maui, though in the teaser we only briefly see him — including a silhouette-like shot and a transformation moment. 

    • One of the more striking visuals is Maui using his magical fish-hook, hinting at the same shapeshifting power from the animated version. 

  3. Iconic Characters and Moments

    • The teaser also teases some familiar faces / elements: Hei-Hei the chicken makes a return, and there are hints of the Kakamora, the coconut-people from the original. 

    • Lagaʻaia belts out a stirring version of “How Far I’ll Go”, one of the signature songs from the 2016 animated film. 

    • There’s a powerful “I am Moana” moment, evoking the emotional core of the original movie. 

  4. Cultural & Creative Roots

    • The film is directed by Thomas Kail (known for Hamilton), bringing a strong theatrical / musical sensibility. 

    • On the production side, it’s backed by a team deeply connected to the original: Auliʻi Cravalho (original Moana) is an executive producer, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer for the original, is also involved.

    • The casting feels rooted: John Tui plays Chief Tui (Moana’s father), Frankie Adams is Sina (her mother), and Rena Owen returns as Gramma Tala. 

  5. Release Date

    • The live-action Moana is set to hit theaters on July 10, 2026.

Why This Matters

  • Cultural Representation: Moana has long been praised for its celebration of Polynesian culture, and this live-action version seems to lean into that legacy — not just visually, but in its casting and creative team. 

  • Star Power + Legacy: Having Dwayne Johnson reprise Maui adds a strong bridge between the animated classic and this new film. His commitment seems personal: he’s spoken before about his Samoan heritage and how important this story is to him. 

  • Fan Expectations: With remakes, there’s always a balance to strike — staying faithful to what made the original beloved, while bringing something fresh. This teaser suggests Disney is trying to do just that: recognizable beats, but grounded in real-world visuals.

  • Skepticism & Excitement: As with many live-action remakes, reactions will likely be mixed. Some will welcome seeing this story “brought to life,” while others may question whether it’s necessary or if it can capture the magic of the animated original.

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