Disney’s much-anticipated live-action “Moana” movie, initially scheduled for a June 27, 2025, theater release, has seen its debut date postponed by a year. According to Dwayne Johnson, a key actor in the production, the film will hit the big screen on July 10, 2026. In addition to the live-action remake, an animated sequel to the 2016 hit is set for release on November 27, in time for the Thanksgiving holidays.
Inside the Moana Live-Action Remake
The live-action “Moana” movie will be directed by Tony award-winning director Thomas Kail. Dwayne Johnson, who will take on the character Maui, is also part of the film’s production team, alongside Dany and Hiram Garcia through Seven Bucks Productions. Beau Flynn for Flynn Picture Co. is another notable producer on the project.
Auli‘i Cravalho and Scott Sheldon of Flynn Picture Co. take on executive production roles. Jared Bush, who authored the original “Moana” screenplay, and Samoan industry veteran Dana Ledoux Miller will lend their expertise to the film’s production.
Animated Sequel to Moana in the Pipeline
In tandem with the live-action movie, Disney has planned the release of a much-anticipated animated sequel to “Moana”, which was a successful commercial and critical hit in 2016. Scheduled for November 27, the animated sequel has been timed for a Thanksgiving release.
The sequel is directed and authored by David G. Derrick Jr, with Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprising their roles as Moana and Maui, lending their voices to these animated characters.
The original “Moana” was a commercial success, raking in a gross of over $600 million. It was also well-received by critics, earning two Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
Wrapping Up
Both the live-action “Moana” remake and its animated sequel are garnering significant anticipation. Disney fans and moviegoers will have to wait a while longer for these array, with the sequel arriving this Thanksgiving and the live-action hitting cinemas in 2026. For more updates about these and other upcoming films, you can keep an eye on HitPlay.
