On its ten year anniversary, Disney takes fan favourite Moana to the live action shores
It’s been ten years since the sea princess first sailed into our screens and established herself as a fan favourite in Moana. How are Disney celebrating this milestone? In classic Disney fashion, with an uninspiring, yet wildly profitable, live-action remake.
Samoan actress Catherine Laga’aia is taking on the role of Moana in her first-ever feature-length role, alongside Dwayne Johnson, who will be returning as cocky demigod Maui.
The film will follow the events of the animation closely — Moana will answer the ocean’s call to venture beyond the comforts of her home. She will convince Maui to go with her on the journey to mend the heart of Te Fiti.
It begs the question: why are they doing this again?
Since its announcement on April 3rd 2023, and the trailer release on March 23, 2026, many fans have dubbed the studio‘creatively bankrupt,’ wondering why they decided to remake a story which only had its sequel two years ago.
According to director Thomas Kali, there are many reasons to bring this story away from animation. “One of the core reasons was the opportunity to preserve and try to take the culture of the Pacific Islands and put it in the photorealistic world,” he said.
Johnson, who is a producer on the film, agrees with the sentiment held by the director. “I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mama and the spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, which runs very deep for me,” he said.
The hope for the cast and crew is that they will reach a new audience of people who turn their nose up at animation.“Hopefully you’ll get all the people that watch the animated film, and also some folks that might say, ‘Animation is not for me, but I’ll step into this experience,” Kali said.
At least in comparison, there is a clear love and passion from the people involved, which isn’t them wanting a Scrooge McDuck pool full of gold.
It will be released in the UK on July 10, 2026.
- Moana is still in select cinemas and available for purchase online
