FIRST LOOK: Disney’s Live-Action ‘Moana’ Begins Filming in Hawaii
As the world prepares to set sail with Moana and Maui in the upcoming Moana 2, Disney is already hard at work on the Wayfinder’s next story.
Just days before Moana 2 hits theaters, filming has commenced in Hawaii on the live-action Moana film, which is set to hit theaters on July 10, 2026.
Moana 2. Photo: Billboard
Originally announced in April 2023, Disney’s live-action Moana will bring the Wayfinder’s origin story to life in a new and exciting way.
A New Moana
This time around, Moana will not be portrayed by Auli’i Cravalho. Instead, Catherine Laga’aia has been cast in the titular role. She will be joined by John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as her mother Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.
Catherine Laga’aia. Photo: The Hollywood Reporter
Dwayne Johnson is also set to reprise his role as Maui in the film.
“This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me,” Johnson said at the time the film was announced.
The Film Was Delayed Due to the Emergence of ‘Moana 2’
When Disney decided to transform its Disney+ Moana series into a proper theatrical sequel, the live-action version of Moana was pushed to 2026.
Dwayne Johnson will reprise his role as Maui. Photo: Dwayne Johnson on Instagram
As the film’s release date rapidly approaches, Reel News Hawaii has confirmed that filming on the live-action Moana began yesterday.
They were even able to catch a glimpse of Moana’s iconic canoe.
Here’s the first look at Moana’s canoe with the iconic sail. Live Action Moana starts filming this Tuesday on Oahu. They’ve spent the past week preparing and testing the boats. pic.twitter.com/k0UiR4e7gF
— Reel News Hawaii (@reelnewshawaii) November 10, 2024
With Moana 2 set to sail into theaters next week and the live-action film on the horizon, there has never been a better time to be a Moana fan.
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