HOLR HIGHLIGHTS
The key details readers need to know.
- Disney’s live-action Moana has made a promising start at the North American box office, earning an estimated $4.5 million in Thursday preview screenings.
- The film introduces newcomer Catherine Laga’aia as Moana while Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, nearly a decade after voicing the beloved demigod in the animated original.
- Here’s everything to know about the cast, early reactions, how the remake compares to the 2016 classic, and whether Disney has another blockbuster on its hands.
July 10, 2026
Nearly a Decade Later, Moana Returns
Back in 2016, Moana wasn’t expected to become one of Disney’s biggest modern classics.
Yet almost overnight, audiences fell in love with the fearless young voyager, Maui’s larger-than-life personality, and songs that are still played in homes, schools, and on streaming platforms around the world.
Unlike many Disney films that slowly faded after leaving theaters, Moana only became more popular with time. It consistently ranked among the most-watched movies on Disney+, introducing the story to a whole new generation of children while longtime fans kept returning to it.
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That’s why Disney’s decision to remake the film wasn’t entirely surprising.
The bigger question was whether anyone actually wanted a live-action version so soon.
Now that the film has finally reached theaters, audiences are beginning to answer that question.
According to early industry estimates, Moana earned approximately $4.5 million during Thursday preview screenings, giving Disney an encouraging start before the official opening weekend. While preview numbers don’t guarantee long-term success, they suggest fans were eager to return to Motunui.
A New Moana Takes the Spotlight
Replacing a character as beloved as Moana was never going to be easy.
Instead of casting an established Hollywood star, Disney introduced audiences to Catherine Laga’aia, a young Australian actress of Samoan heritage who is making one of the biggest debuts of the year.
For many fans, that decision immediately stood out.
Rather than relying on celebrity power, Disney focused on finding someone who could authentically represent the culture that inspired the story.
Laga’aia has spoken about how meaningful the role is to her, explaining that Moana represents courage, family, and pride in Polynesian traditions.
It’s a major opportunity for the rising actress—and if early reactions are anything to go by, audiences are excited to see her bring a fresh interpretation to one of Disney’s most recognizable heroines.
Dwayne Johnson Was the One Return Fans Wanted
If there was one casting announcement almost everyone agreed on, it was Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui.
Johnson originally voiced the charismatic demigod in the animated film, turning him into one of Disney’s most memorable characters of the past decade.
This time, he’s finally stepping into the role on screen.
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For Johnson, the project is deeply personal. Over the years, he’s spoken about drawing inspiration from his own Samoan heritage while helping introduce Polynesian culture to audiences around the world.
His return also gives the remake something many live-action adaptations struggle to achieve—a familiar connection to the original.
Fans already know what to expect from Maui: humor, confidence, and larger-than-life energy. The biggest difference this time is seeing Johnson physically bring the character to life instead of simply hearing his voice.
Does the Remake Stay True to the Original?
One concern shared by many fans before release was whether Disney would dramatically change a story that already worked so well.
The answer is reassuring.
At its heart, Moana remains the same inspiring journey about identity, courage, and finding your own path.
The biggest differences come through the scale of the production.
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The ocean feels more lifelike, the island landscapes are breathtaking, and several scenes have been expanded to give supporting characters more room to develop. Rather than trying to reinvent the story, director Thomas Kail focuses on making the world feel bigger and more immersive.
That balance between nostalgia and fresh storytelling may end up being one of the remake’s biggest strengths.
More Than Just Another Disney Remake
There’s a reason industry analysts have been watching this film so closely.
Disney’s recent live-action remakes have produced mixed results. While films like Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King became global hits, others struggled to capture the same magic.
The Guardian
Moana feels different.
The original is still incredibly popular, the music remains timeless, and the story continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Instead of relying purely on nostalgia, Disney is revisiting a film that never really left the spotlight.
That’s a gamble—but judging by the film’s early box office momentum, it’s one that may already be paying off.
What Are Critics Saying?
Every live-action Disney remake arrives with high expectations, and Moana is no exception.
Early reviews suggest the film captures much of what made the 2016 original so special. Critics have praised its stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and the chemistry between Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson. Many reviewers also highlighted the film’s respectful celebration of Polynesian culture, noting that it remains at the heart of the story rather than serving as simple background.
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Catherine Laga’aia has received particular praise for making Moana feel like her own character instead of trying to imitate Auliʻi Cravalho’s animated performance. While stepping into such an iconic role was always going to invite comparisons, early reactions suggest she brings a fresh confidence and warmth that helps the remake stand on its own.
Johnson, meanwhile, slips back into Maui with ease. His charisma, humor, and larger-than-life personality remain some of the film’s biggest highlights, making it easy to understand why Disney wanted him back.
That said, not every review has been glowing.
Some critics questioned whether Moana needed a live-action remake at all, arguing that the animated original still feels modern and visually impressive. Others felt that certain scenes worked better in animation than they do in live action.
Even so, most agree on one thing: if Disney was going to remake Moana, this is one of its stronger recent efforts.
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The film’s $4.5 million Thursday preview debut has given Disney an encouraging start, but the real test will be how families respond over the opening weekend.
Unlike superhero movies, which often earn most of their money during the first few days, family films usually enjoy a longer theatrical run. Parents, school holidays, and repeat viewings often help keep them in theaters for weeks.
Industry analysts believe Moana is well positioned to benefit from that pattern.
The original film earned more than $680 million worldwide and became one of Disney’s most successful animated releases of the last decade. Since then, it has remained incredibly popular on streaming, with countless families returning to it year after year.
That loyal fan base gives the remake an advantage many films don’t have.
If positive word of mouth continues, Moana could become one of Disney’s biggest theatrical successes of the year.
Should Fans Watch It?
If you grew up with the original, it’s natural to wonder whether this version can capture the same magic.
The answer largely depends on what you’re expecting.
If you’re looking for a completely different story, you may be disappointed. The live-action film stays remarkably faithful to the original, keeping its core message about courage, identity, and finding your own path.
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However, if you simply want to experience Moana’s journey in a new way—with breathtaking locations, impressive visual effects, and strong performances—there’s plenty here to enjoy.
The film doesn’t try to replace the animated classic.
Instead, it celebrates it.
That’s perhaps its greatest strength.
Final Thoughts
Few animated movies have remained as beloved as Moana.
Nearly ten years after its release, the story still resonates with audiences because its themes are timeless. It’s about believing in yourself, embracing your heritage, and having the courage to step into the unknown.
The live-action remake understands that.
Rather than changing what fans loved, it builds on the original while introducing a new generation to Moana’s journey.
With Catherine Laga’aia making an impressive debut, Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui, and a promising start at the box office, Moana appears to have begun its theatrical run on the right course.
Whether it ultimately reaches the same iconic status as the animated original remains to be seen.
But one thing is already clear: audiences are ready to sail with Moana once again.
FAQs
Why is Moana trending?
Moana is making headlines after earning an estimated $4.5 million in Thursday preview screenings, giving Disney a strong start ahead of its opening weekend.
Who plays Moana in the live-action film?
Catherine Laga’aia stars as Moana, marking her first leading role in a major Hollywood film.
Does Dwayne Johnson return as Maui?
Yes. Dwayne Johnson reprises the role of Maui after voicing the beloved demigod in Disney’s 2016 animated film.
Is the live-action Moana different from the original?
The remake follows the same overall story but expands several scenes and characters while bringing the world of Motunui to life through live-action filmmaking and updated visual effects.
Is Moana worth watching?
Early reactions suggest the film is one of Disney’s stronger live-action remakes, offering beautiful visuals, heartfelt performances, and a faithful adaptation of the original story.