AceShowbiz - The beloved story of Moana is set to return with a fresh live-action adaptation, promising to captivate audiences once again. Disney has unveiled exciting new footage from the upcoming film, notably featuring Dwayne Johnson performing as Maui, marking the first time the actor’s singing voice can be heard in this role.

The original 2016 animated film was a global hit, grossing over $687 million worldwide and receiving critical acclaim, including Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. Its sequel, Moana 2, continued this success by earning more than $1.5 billion at the box office. The live-action project aims to build on this legacy with a star-studded cast and a fresh creative vision.

At CinemaCon, Disney showcased new clips from the film where Dwayne Johnson was seen fully embodying Maui, complete with costume and makeup, as he performed one of the franchise’s most iconic songs, "You're Welcome." This moment marks a significant milestone since Maui’s character was previously only heard through Johnson’s voice in the animated versions.

During the presentation, Johnson spoke about the themes of the film and what the relationship between Maui and Moana represents. He emphasized the importance of supporting women and redefining masculinity, stating, "To me, she [Moana] is a hero. She's a warrior. We, as men, should champion women and support them. To me, as Maui, that's what this [relationship between Maui and Moana] looks like."

Adding a personal touch, Johnson revealed the deep emotional connection he has with the character. He shared a photograph of his grandfather, explaining that the demigod Maui’s personality and spirit were inspired by him. "When you see Moana, and you see me embodying Maui, I think every word, every lyric that he sings, that's my grandfather," he said, highlighting the heartfelt nature of his performance.

The live-action Maui’s appearance has sparked some online discussion, particularly about his wig, but Johnson has chosen not to address the jokes directly. Disney’s track record with live-action remakes has been mixed. While some adaptations like 2025’s Snow White reportedly lost $170 million, others such as The Lion King and Aladdin have enjoyed massive box office success, grossing over $1.6 billion and $1 billion worldwide, respectively.

Alongside Johnson, the live-action Moana cast includes Catherine Laga?aia as Moana, John Tui portraying Moana’s father Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother Sina, and Rena Owen taking on the role of Gramma Tala. The film is directed by Emmy and Tony Award winner Thomas Kail, known for his work on Hamilton. Notably, Auli'i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana in the animated films, serves as an executive producer on the project.

The original animated Moana films remain available to stream on Disney+, providing fans a chance to revisit the story before the live-action release. The new adaptation is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 10, 2026, and is expected to bring a fresh yet faithful retelling of this cherished tale.