Moana was originally a 2016 animated Disney film set in ancient Polynesia following the adventures of Moana, a chief’s daughter who wants to sail beyond the reef and explore the wider seas.

An epic adventure where she meets the demi-God Maui, it has been updated as a live-action film starring big names and talented newcomers that’s sure to capture the attention of viewers of all ages.

What’s Moana About?

With her island dying and fish stocks dwindling, the spirited teenager Moana questions her father why they do not sail beyond the reef anymore. A millennium ago, the goddess Te Fiti brought life to the sea with her heart but that life is dying out and so Moana must set forth to restore the heart of Te Fiti after being chosen by the sea itself. Sailing away with her rooster friend HeiHei, she soon comes across disgraced demigod Maui who reluctantly helps her along the way.

With an awesome soundtrack written by Tony and Grammy award winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, it’s a head-bopping romp through the waves.

When is the Release Date for Moana?

The live action remake of Moana will hit cinemas on July 10^th, 2026, with premieres sure to bring the crowds. The original is a beloved Disney film, and the live-action remake is sure to generate a lot of interest and fervour. Lauded for bringing storytelling from the Pacific Islands to mainstream culture, its cast represents the places where the legends its based on come from.

Who is in the Cast of Moana?

• Catherine Laga’aia as Moana

Previously starring in Crashout and The Lost Flowers of Alice Heart, Catherine Laga’aia takes on the titular role. Originally offered to Moana’s voice actor from the animated movie, Auliʻi Cravalho, she turned down the role so another Pacific Islander could star in a major film release.

• Dwayne Johnson as Maui

Wrestler turned actor Dwayne Johnson lived a previous life in WWE as The Rock. Now one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, he is in the Jumanji films amongst many others. Taking on the shapeshifting demigod of Maui, he voiced the animated character and now takes him into live action territory.

• John Tui as Chief Tui

Appearing as Commander Anubis ‘Doggie’ Cruger in Power Rangers S.P.D., Bolg in The Hobbit: Battle of The Five Armies and Korso in Solo: A Star Wars story, John Tui brings a wealth of experience to playing Moana’s father.

• Frankie Adams as Sina best known for roles in The Expanse and Next Goal Wins, Frankie Adams plays Moana’s warm and supportive mother who balances out the strict and traditional ways of her husband Chief Tui.
• Rena Owen as Gramma Tala

Gramma Tala is Moana’s elder who tells her the epic stories of the ocean. Having provided her voice to Star Wars: The Bd Batch and appeared in The Orville, she is one of the few people in the world to have worked with both filmmaking legends George Lucas (of Star Wars fame) and Steven Spielberg.

With a range of awesome Moana toys and games, including dolls and LEGO Disney sets, why not discover our full Disney Princess range and explore the magic of storytelling through Tonies and other brilliant merchandise.

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