Pacific Island Star Leads the Way
In 2016, the animated film *Moana* captivated audiences worldwide with its unique Polynesian cultural background and inspiring story of a young girl's voyage at sea.
Nine years later, on November 17, 2025, Disney officially released the first trailer for the live-action *Moana*, bringing this legendary ocean story back to the big screen in a brand new form.
The film is scheduled for release in North America on July 10, 2026, and is directed by Emmy and Tony Award winner Thomas Kyle, who also directed *Hamilton*.
17-year-old Australian newcomer Katherine Lagaia plays the lead role of Moana.
Dwayne Johnson, who plays Maui, not only returns to the role but also serves as a producer.
The cast includes John Tui as Moana's father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams as Moana's mother, Sheena; and Reina Irwin as Moana's grandmother, Tara.
The fully CGI appearance of the chick, Hehe, has sparked heated discussion.
The trailer is filled with flying characters, gravity-defying water currents, and scenes of Maui transforming into insects and birds.
"To what extent does this film cease to be a 'live-action' movie?"
Some netizens believe the film looks more like a "fan-made Unreal Engine game based on the original movie" than a film with real people performing in real locations.
