Dwayne Johnson Verifies When the Live-Action Remake’s Filming Begins for Moana.
In 2026, the live-action Moana film is slated to open in theaters.
Over the next two years, Moana will make two big screen comebacks. This Thanksgiving, the much awaited Moana 2, a direct sequel to the beloved 2017 animated picture, will visit theaters. Disney’s live-action Moana film, which stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in a role he reprises as Maui and serves as one of the film’s producers, will also begin shooting this year. Johnson provided an update on Moana’s future over the weekend, stating that the live-action movie’s filming is scheduled to start in August.
Johnson began her post with, “Exciting and inspiring casting news as we begin to bring together our Live Action Moana family,” and then revealed the Disney-announced live-action cast. We consider it an immense privilege to impart the myths, melodies, dances, and customs of our Polynesian culture to each and every one of you and your families across the globe. August is when production kicks off.
Disney’s live-action Moana film has revealed four of the main cast members in addition to Johnson. Actress Catherine Laga’aia, 17, is a native of Sydney, Australia. She will replace Auli’i Cravalho, who portrayed the title character in the two animated films, as Moana. John Tui portrays Chief Tui, the father of Moana and the head of Motunui. Frankie Adams is playing Moana’s mother, Sina, while Rena Owen is slated to play Gramma Tala.
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” stated Laga’aia. “My grandfather hails from Savai’i’s Fa’aala, Palauli. Moreover, my grandma hails from Leulumoega Tuai, which is located on Samoa’s major island of ‘Upolu. I am privileged to be able to honor young ladies that resemble me and to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples.”
