The film is set to head to cinemas in July 2026, with production set to begin this summer.
It has been announced Catherine Laga’aia will take on the title role in the live-action remake of the 2016 film, joining the previously announced Dwayne Johnson, who is set to reprise his role as Maui.
Also in the cast will be Auckland-based actor John Tui as Moana’s father Chief Tui, Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother Sina and Rena Owen, who hails from Bay of Islands, as Gramma Tala.
Talking about playing Moana Laga’aia said: “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites… My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
The film, which will include the original songs from animated film, is set to be directed by Thomas Kail (Hamilton) with Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the original songs, will serving as producer.
Executive producers include Scott Sheldon of FlynnPictureCo., Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 film, and Charles Newirth.
This live action film of Moana will sail to cinemas on the 10th July 2026, with a Moana 2 released later this year.