Disney Sets Live-Action Moana for July 2026, Elevates Newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia
The studio is treating the film as a test of its remake plan after Snow White’s troubled 2025 run.
Overview
- Reports published Tuesday say the Thomas Kail–directed remake is in post-production for a July 10, 2026 release.
- Disney is featuring newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia as Moana in refreshed studio branding, with Auliʻi Cravalho staying on as an executive producer.
- Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui and producer and emphasizes Pacific Island roots.
- The production leans on practical ocean filming and on-location work across Hawaii and other Pacific islands to stress authenticity.
- The release serves as a barometer for Disney’s remake plan after Snow White’s 2025 flop and Moana 2’s billion-dollar run.