Walt Disney is preparing one of its most significant releases in the near future: the live-action film Moana, based on the 2016 animated hit of the same name. The film has already received an official release date and will be part of the studio's strategy to reimagine its classic stories in live-action format.
The film is scheduled to premiere on July 10, 2026, and its release will coincide with the tenth anniversary of the original animated film. This move underscores the franchise's importance to Disney, which has become one of the studio's most recognizable and commercially successful properties over the years.
The new version of Moana will not be a direct sequel, but a reimagining of the original story with live-action actors. Katherine Laga'ia will play the lead role, marking one of her first major appearances on the big screen. Her co-star will be Dwayne Johnson, who will reprise his role as the demigod Maui, already familiar to audiences from the animated version.
The film is directed by Thomas Kail, and the screenplay is written by Jared Bush and Dana LeDoux Miller, who previously worked on the original story. Thus, the project maintains continuity and relies on a proven creative team.
The plot of the new version follows the basic outline of the original. The story centers on a girl named Moana, who embarks on a dangerous sea voyage beyond her island, following the call of the ocean. The narrative centers on the search for one's purpose, themes of responsibility, and humanity's connection to nature.
The film's production is being supported by an active marketing campaign. The first teaser and poster were unveiled in November 2025, generating early interest in the project. The studio is relying not only on nostalgia for the original but also on attracting a new audience familiar with Moana's story through streaming platforms.
The release of "Moana" fits into Disney's broader strategy of creating live-action adaptations of its animated hits. In recent years, the studio has been actively developing this approach, regularly releasing new versions of well-known stories. Moana is seen as a key project that can confirm the sustainability of this approach.
The film will also be released in IMAX, underscoring the scale of the production and its focus on spectacular theatrical release. This is especially important in the face of competition from major summer releases, where visuals play a decisive role in attracting audiences to theaters.
Therefore, the 2026 "Moana" is not just another adaptation, but an important milestone in the development of one of Disney's most successful franchises. The success of the film in combining a familiar story with a new visual approach will largely determine the future direction of similar projects at the studio.