Disney fans and ocean adventurers, it’s time to set sail once again. A brand-new official behind-the-scenes featurette for the live-action Moana has arrived, giving us our best look yet at Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana, Dwayne Johnson back as Maui, and the epic scope of this reimagined voyage across the Pacific.

This featurette dives into the making of the 2026 live-action adaptation and offers a closer look at how Disney is bringing its Oscar-nominated animated classic into a richly textured, real-world setting while honoring Polynesian culture and storytelling.

Catherine Lagaʻaia Steps Into Moana’s Sandals

The biggest headline of this featurette is Catherine Lagaʻaia fully embodying Moana. We get to see her on set, in costume, and in action, and it’s clear why she was chosen to carry this iconic role.

The footage highlights:

• Her powerful screen presence as the determined chief’s daughter of Motunui
• Emotional performance beats that echo, but don’t copy, the animated original
• Her connection to the character’s cultural roots and personal journey

The featurette underlines how central Moana’s courage, curiosity, and leadership remain to the story. Catherine’s version of Moana isn’t just recreating familiar scenes; she’s bringing a grounded, human touch to a character beloved by an entire generation.

Dwayne Johnson Returns as Maui

Fans have been eager to see Dwayne Johnson return as the larger-than-life demigod Maui, and the featurette does not disappoint. We get glimpses of him on set, channeling Maui’s swagger, humor, and heart in live action.

Key takeaways from the behind-the-scenes look:

• Johnson’s dual role as both star and producer, shaping the film’s tone
• A renewed focus on Maui’s relationship with Moana as partners on a shared quest
• The challenge of translating Maui’s animated design and magical abilities into live-action set pieces

Johnson’s enthusiasm is front and center as he talks about revisiting the character that means so much to fans and to his own Polynesian heritage. The featurette makes it clear that Maui will still be the trickster hero audiences remember, but with a more tactile, physical presence in this version of the story.

Thomas Kail Brings Stage and Screen Power to Moana

Directed by Thomas Kail, best known for his groundbreaking work on Hamilton, the live-action Moana aims to blend cinematic spectacle with character-driven storytelling. The featurette spotlights his approach on set:

• Emphasis on performance, rhythm, and emotional beats
• Careful collaboration with cast and crew to honor Polynesian culture authentically
• An eye for sweeping visuals that still feel intimate and character-focused

Kail’s theater background comes through in the way scenes are blocked, the energy of ensemble moments, and the musicality that runs through Moana’s journey, even beyond the songs themselves.

Auliʻi Cravalho’s Legacy and Creative Team Powerhouse

While Catherine Lagaʻaia now steps into Moana’s role, the spirit of Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original animated films, is still part of this new chapter. As an executive producer, Cravalho helps bridge the legacy of the animated features with this fresh interpretation.

The creative team is stacked, including:

• Producers Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda
• Executive producers Thomas Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, and Auliʻi Cravalho

With Lin-Manuel Miranda’s involvement, the featurette hints at a musical experience that respects the original iconic songs while opening the door to new musical textures and arrangements suited to live action.

Bringing Motunui and the Ocean to Life

One of the most exciting elements shown in the featurette is how the film is creating the world of Moana in-camera with real locations, practical sets, and natural landscapes.

We get glimpses of:

• Lush island environments that capture the beauty of Moana’s home, Motunui
• Traditional boats, costumes, and cultural details inspired by Polynesian voyaging heritage
• The interplay between real water, weather, and visual effects to reimagine the Ocean as a character

Instead of relying solely on CGI, the production blends practical filming with digital magic, giving Moana’s journey a sense of scale and authenticity that should look incredible on the big screen.

An Epic Voyage With Familiar Heart

The synopsis remains faithful to the core of the original story: Moana, chosen by the Ocean, sails beyond the reef for the first time to restore prosperity to her people with the help of Maui. The featurette emphasizes that while we’ll recognize major story beats, this is not a shot-for-shot remake.

Expect:

• Deeper character moments for Moana and Maui
• A richer look at Motunui’s culture, traditions, and community
• An expanded sense of scale for the voyage, storms, and mythic encounters

This live-action Moana aims to capture the same emotional resonance that made the animated film a classic, while letting the performances and real-world environments offer new layers of meaning.

Why This Featurette Matters for Fans

For anyone wondering how Disney would handle a live-action adaptation of such a visually and culturally specific story, this behind-the-scenes featurette is an important reassurance. It showcases:

• Respect for Polynesian culture and the legacy of the original film
• A grounded, charismatic new Moana in Catherine Lagaʻaia
• Dwayne Johnson’s full-throttle return as Maui
• A creative team that understands both spectacle and story

It’s not just a promotional clip—it’s a statement of intent about what this Moana aims to be: a celebration of exploration, identity, and heritage on a grand scale.

What to Watch for in the Featurette

As you watch, keep an eye out for:

• Costume details informed by real Polynesian traditions
• The physicality of the stunts and sailing sequences
• How lighting and real ocean locations shape the film’s visual identity
• Cast chemistry during both quiet conversations and big action moments

All of it points to a film that doesn’t just retell Moana’s story, but invites audiences to experience it in a new way.

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