Disney has finally unveiled the first trailer for its highly anticipated live-action Moana, giving fans a glimpse of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Catherine Lagaʻaia stepping into their ocean-bound roles.
Directed by Hamilton’s Thomas Kail, the film reimagines the 2016 animated hit that became a cultural phenomenon. Lagaʻaia, an emerging Samoan Australian actress, stars as the courageous wayfinder Moana, while Johnson reprises his role as the mischievous demigod Maui — this time with a full mane of hair that’s already sparking lively debate online.
The film marks Laga’aia’s first major role, and she’s already making waves with her enthusiasm. “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” she shared in a statement. “I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
Read more: Live-Action ‘Moana’ Sets Sail with Newcomer Catherine Laga’aia
Alongside the duo, the film features John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. Behind the scenes, Lin-Manuel Miranda returns as producer and songwriter, collaborating once again with Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina, who composed the film’s original score.
While the new trailer teases familiar moments — from Moana’s encounters with Maui and the shiny-obsessed crab Tamatoa to the fiery Te Kā — fan reactions have been mixed. Some viewers questioned Maui’s look and the necessity of a live-action remake so soon after the animated sequel Moana 2 (2024).
CricFlix tweeted, “Live-action was a mistake Some things are better left animated….. this is one of them.” Another critic stated, “That hair and his face is a mess.”
One likened Johnson’s appearance to that of his SNL sketch, commenting, “It’s funny how much more energy Dwayne Johnson had in an SNL sketch riffing on live action Disney remakes compared to how he looked in that Moana trailer.”
Live-action was a mistake
Some things are better left animated….. this is one of them pic.twitter.com/v9aM67msLP— CricFlix (@PRAVIN0070) March 23, 2026
That hair and his face is a mess lol 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/RW5tOOJd1a
— Navaneeth Kulal (@nkrockzz88) March 23, 2026
It’s funny how much more energy Dwayne Johnson had in an SNL sketch riffing on live action Disney remakes compared to how he looked in that Moana trailer pic.twitter.com/wLNw03yvzc
— Parody/Spoof/Satire Clips (@NoContextSpoof) March 23, 2026
Other fans were more positive after viewing the trailer, praising Johnson’s deep connection to the role and his pride in representing Polynesian heritage on screen.
“It’s this story that’s been globally embraced in such a moving way,” Johnson told Entertainment Weekly. “It’s about looking beyond the reef and having faith when life gets scary.”
Set for release on July 10, Moana marks Disney’s latest step in its live-action renaissance — one that continues to walk the line between nostalgia and reinvention.
