A new live-action trailer for Disney's Moana has dropped, directed by Thomas Kail, with Catherine Lagaaia (Laga’aia) stepping into Moana and Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui.

The film is slated for a July 10 theatrical release in 2026, aiming to capitalize on the original’s popularity.

The supporting cast includes John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, while Auli’i Cravalho remains involved as executive producer.

Early reactions to the trailer are divided, with critics questioning the necessity of the remake given the fast turnaround and some concerns about visuals and potential shot-for-shot retelling.

Despite some differences in dialogue, many key scenes appear to be recreated, and fans can anticipate more humor in forthcoming reveals as the release approaches.

The trailer is framed within broader industry context and fan expectations, highlighting production and casting details.

Reaction to Maui’s look is mixed, with fans joking that certain elements are better left animated.

Johnson’s performance is underscored as a demanding, range-testing role central to the film’s appeal.

The trailer reveals elements like the Realm of Monsters and a lava demon Te Kā, signaling heightened stakes for Moana’s quest.

Overall, the piece reflects excitement and ongoing debate about Pacific Islander representation, Johnson’s casting, and the ambition of the live-action remake.

There was consideration of using AI for Johnson’s face in some shots, but the plan was dropped due to industry concerns about AI in filmmaking.

Compared with an earlier teaser, the new trailer shows Maui in more detail, aiming for a polished, high-budget presentation.