Dwayne Johnson Shares 'Exciting' Updates About Moana Live-Action Movie

"Production begins this August," Johnson revealed on Instagram about the film, which appears to have a new release date

Dwayne Johnson attends the UK Premiere of "Black Adam" on October 18, 2022 in London, England.
Dwayne Johnson. Photo:

Karwai Tang/WireImage

There's just no telling how far Disney’s Moana live-action movie will go!

Dwayne Johnson reshared the casting news for the upcoming film in an Instagram post on Friday, July 5, and reminded everyone that he'll be reprising the role of the demigod Maui, who he voiced for 2016's animated Moana and 2024's Moana 2.

In the update, the actor, 52, revealed "production begins this August." The film is slated to be released on July 10, 2026.

"Exciting and inspiring casting news as we begin to bring together our live action MOANA family," Johnson wrote in the post, which included headshots of the cast next to the animated versions of their characters.

Catherine Laga'aia Moana
Catherine Laga'aia will play Moana in the 2025 live-action movie.

Alexei Hay; Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock

The actor also reminded followers that newcomer Catherine Laga'aia will play the titular Polynesian heroine in the new film.

John Tui, who had a role in Johnson's NBC series Young Rock based on the former WWE star's life and childhood, will play Moana's father, Chief Tui. Frankie Adams will play Moana's mom, Sina, and Rena Owen will play her grandmother, Gramma Tala.

"And yours truly, as the demigod ~ MAUI🪝," Johnson wrote in the caption.

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Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson speaks onstage at Walt Disney Studios' 2024 presentation highlighting its upcoming release schedule.

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"It’s our deepest honor to share the legends, songs, dances and traditions of our Polynesian culture with all of you and your families around the world," the Jumanji star concluded.

The film will be directed by Thomas Kail and the music will be composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

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Disney originally announced the cast in June.

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