The filming for the live-action Moana movie has begun.
The first-look set images of Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga’aia as Maui and Moana have been leaked during production in Hawaii.
The images, shared by X user @CosmicMMedia, show Johnson looking just like the demigod Maui, as seen in the animated movie, while Laga’aia seems like a perfect casting choice.
Directed by Thomas Kail, with a screenplay by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. Johnson will reprise his role as the demigod Maui, while Laga’aia stars as Moana. John Tui plays Chief Tui, Moana’s overprotective father, and Frankie Adams will portray her mother, Sina. Rena Owen joins the cast as Gramma Tala, Moana’s grandmother and Chief Tui’s mother.
Recently, the first look images of Moana’s canoe on set has been spotted.
Here’s the plot details for Moana:
An adventurous teenager sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (Laga’aia) meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master way-finder. Together they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she always sought: her own identity.
Produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions and Beau Flynn via FlynnPictureCo. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the original songs, will also serve as producer. Executive producers include Scott Sheldon of FlynnPictureCo., Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 film, and Charles Newirth.
Moana hits theaters on July 10, 2026, by Walt Disney Studios.
Source: X
