Kamal Ghorui
After following Moana on an epic animated adventure to find and restore the heart of Tefiti, it is now time, to join Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson on their live-action adventuer. A decade after the film first won hearts, The Rock, on Monday released the new trailer and extended a warm invitation to fans saying, “The ocean is calling. Join Moana, Maui, Heihei, and Pua on an unforgettable adventure.”
Watch: Moana live-action and animated trailer
About ‘Moana’
In ‘Moana’, Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved Oscar-nominated animated adventure, Moana, played by Catherine Laga’aia answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui played by Dwayne Johnson on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people. While the teaser which released last year, kept many characters looks hidden, this one gave fans a first look at Johnson as the demigod Maui, Pua the pig and Heihei the chicken. Fans also got their first glimpse of the live-action Sharkhead, and Tefiti as the furious volcano.
Fans react to ‘Moana’ live-action trailer
The live-action clip soon gave way to comparisons with the beloved animated film. Fans took to social media to share side-by-side screenshots of the two films. Many seemed critical of The Rock’s look as Maui. Some harsh tweets read, “Im sorry, these live action Disney remakes need to die. Absolutely embarrassing on all levels.”Another said, “Rock’s wig in the new Moana trailer (crying emojis).”Moana’s pet pig and chicken managed to woo over fans with their accurate depiction. Meanwhile, Shark Head Maui as a hammerhead shark, much different from the animated version.
‘Moana’ cast and release date
The film directed by Thomas Kail, is also set to feature John Tui, Frankie Adams and Rena Owen in pivotal roles. The movie will also feature original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina, and an original score composed by Mancina. Audiences can experience the brilliant cinematic sights, sounds and songs of ‘Moana’ exclusively in theaters on July 10, 2026.
