Disney’s beloved Moana remains one of the most cherished animated films among audiences worldwide. Released in 2016, the musical adventure became a global box-office success, earning nearly $700 million. Its sequel, Moana 2, released in November 2024, surpassed that achievement by grossing more than $1 billion. Building on that worldwide popularity, Disney is now bringing the story back to the big screen in a live-action adaptation.
Directed by Thomas Kail and produced by Walt Disney Pictures, the live-action Moana will receive its international release on 10 July. Bangladeshi audiences will also be able to watch the film on the same day, as it is set to open at Star Cineplex.
Although the film features live actors, it will retain elements of animation. One of its biggest attractions is Dwayne Johnson, who reprises the role of Maui after voicing the character in the 2016 animated original. Describing Maui as a reflection of his Polynesian heritage, Johnson said seeing the culture and its values portrayed by real actors gives the story a different emotional impact. He added that his experiences as a father over the past decade, along with memories of his grandfather, helped shape his performance.
Newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia takes on the title role after being selected from more than 32,000 applicants worldwide. The Samoan-born actress impressed the filmmakers with her audition performance of How Far I’ll Go. She said Moana’s courage and curiosity helped shape the person she has become today.
The story follows the fearless teenager Moana and the proud demigod Maui as they embark on a dangerous voyage to restore nature’s balance. Preserving the emotional core of the original, along with its themes of family and responsibility, the live-action adaptation is already generating expectations of another major box-office success.
