Moana 2026: Movie Review

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Catherine Laga'aia, Frankie Adams, John Tui, Jemaine Clement, Rena Owen
Director: Thomas Kail

The 2026 live action version of the much-loved animated Disney film Moana has a lot to live up to.

Disney's plundering of its own back catalogue for live-action fare has had a hit and miss approach throughout the years. But such is the love for the original Moana which released a decade ago in 2016 that there's possibly enough affection to carry through a reimagining.

For those unaware of the story, it's the tale of young Moana (Laga'aia), a Polynesian girl, who answers the ocean’s call to restore the well-being of her island community of Motunui with tragedy facing them.

But on her journey, she comes across demi-god Maui (Johnson, reprising his much-loved role) and the pair of them are thrust into an adventure they'd never expected.