Disney has dropped the full trailer for its live-action Moana, giving fans their clearest look yet at Dwayne Johnson’s transformation into Maui—going far beyond the earlier teasers and behind-the-scenes glimpses. The new footage puts Johnson front and center in the role he once voiced, now fully brought to life on screen alongside Catherine Laga’aia as Moana.
According to People, the trailer builds on the first previews from late 2025, showcasing Johnson’s full physical transformation into the larger-than-life demigod, complete with flowing hair and his iconic tattoos. It also spotlights Laga’aia’s performance, including her vocals, while bringing back familiar elements from the original film, like Tamatoa.
According to Disney’s official synopsis, “Moana answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.”
The film builds on a franchise that has already made a global impact. The original Moana, released in 2016, was a major box office hit and later led to a 2024 sequel, with Johnson voicing Maui in both.
The live-action adaptation is directed by Thomas Kail, with Auli‘i Cravalho—who originally voiced Moana—serving as an executive producer. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who worked on the original soundtrack, is also on board as a producer.
Johnson has also spoken about the physical effort required to bring Maui to life on screen. “That [suit] is a couple of hours every day of transforming, putting that on,” he shared.
The cast also features John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, completing Moana’s family. Laga’aia, an 18-year-old newcomer, steps into the lead role as the story follows her character’s first journey beyond her home island.
The live-action Moana is set to arrive in theaters on July 10.
