The full trailer for the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Moana has officially dropped. At the center of this massive reveal is our very first official look at Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson bringing the legendary demigod of the wind and sea, Maui, to life in a completely new way.
After voicing the character in the blockbuster 2016 animated hit, Johnson is stepping in front of the camera to physically embody the larger-than-life hero, and the visual translation is already generating massive buzz.
The live-action film introduces rising star Catherine Laga’aia, who takes on the titular role of the wayfinding princess, Moana. Stepping into the shoes of such an iconic modern Disney character is no small feat, but the trailer gives audiences a promising glimpse of her capturing the adventurous spirit, bravery, and deep connection to the ocean that made the animated heroine so beloved.
Together, Johnson and Laga’aia are poised to introduce a new generation of voyagers to this beautiful, culturally rich narrative.
For Johnson, playing Maui has always been much more than just another massive blockbuster role. The actor has frequently spoken out about his deep, personal connection to the character, sharing that Maui’s original animated design and spirit were heavily inspired by his own late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia.
By bringing Maui into the live-action space, Johnson is honoring his proud Polynesian heritage on a massive, global scale. Seeing him wield the giant, magical fishhook in physical form, complete with Maui’s intricate storytelling tattoos, brilliantly bridges the gap between animated magic and the real-world cultural history the story is built upon.
Beyond the exciting casting reveals, the full trailer gives fans exactly what they have been waiting for: a breathtaking look at how the studio is reimagining this visually stunning universe.
The animated film was universally praised for its gorgeous aesthetic, particularly the way it treated the ocean as a living, breathing character of its own. Now, viewers can finally get a taste of how the live-action production is capturing those lush island landscapes, the vast open waters, and the sweeping, chart-topping musical numbers that dominated pop culture nearly a decade ago.
As the excitement continues to build ahead of the film’s theatrical release, this first look proves that the magic of Moana is just as potent in live-action. It is officially time to get ready to set sail all over again.
Moana hits theaters July 10. Check out the trailer below.
