The first behind-the-scenes photos of the live-action live-action version of Moana. The live-action Moana will share a key cast member with its animated counterpart, bringing back Dwayne Johnson as the magnanimous demigod Maui. On the other hand, Catherine Laga'aia will take over the titular role after Auliʻi Cravalho voiced the character in the original movies.
Per @reelnewsHawaii, the first set images have been revealed for Moana. Noting that the team was filming "on one of the most popular beaches on the West Side," the source revealed four photos of the actors. The images showed Johnson with a long, dark-haired wig, and a series of chest tattoos characteristic of his demigod character. Laga'aia's Moana was also in two photos with Maui, wearing the character's iconic costume. The surrounding set also showed a life-scale version of the boat called wa'a kaulua, where the titular character sets sail.
Click Here To See Johnson's Maui & Laga'aia's Moana On The Beach
In addition, Disney executive Asad Ayaz revealed a celebratory post about the commencement of filming with the comment "Oahu Day 1." The first image showed several creative holding a replica of Maui's massive hook. They are also standing in front of a more decked-out version of one of the ships witnessed in the set photos. To get a sense of the set's surroundings, Ayaz also posted two pictures of the sky and environment in Hawaii. Check it out below:
What This Means For Live-Action Moana
Moana Will Include Non-CGI Set Pieces
The set photos of the live-action Moana affirm how much the movie will rely on practical effects and set pieces. In one on-set photo, multiple wooden boats are in the frame, suggesting that the fleet will be recreated to a life-size scale, rather than rendered in CGI. Maui's hook is also shown to be a real and huge object, which is similar to its animated counterpart. This means that Moana will at least in part rely on built set pieces to convey the magic of Motunui.
Maui's Backstory, Powers, & Real-Life Inspiration In Moana Explained
Maui's story, established by 2016's Moana, continues in Moana 2, building on the character's existing history, powers, and real-world inspiration.
In addition, the first images reveal that the live-action movie will be faithful to the original animated counterpart based on the looks of Johnson and Laga'aia's version. This includes Maui's body tattoos and long hair, while Moana embodies her voyager classic suit, with her red crop top and long, beige skirt. However, there is one side character missing from the images, which happens to be Moana's pet pig, Pua. It's quite possible that Pua could be CGI'd in a similar manner to how characters were created in 2019's The Lion King and Mufasa.
Our Take On These Moana Photos
Moana Could Be Better Than Other Live-Action Adaptations
As Disney's live-action remakes continue being made, Moana seems like one of the more promising entries. In the past, Disney's remakes have been criticized for their over-reliance on uncanny CGI. However, Moana's more mystical elements will still have to rely on computer assistance to some extent. These images show, however, that the live-action film is committed to constructing some of its own sets, therefore creating the real world more fully.
The live-action Moana is set for release on July 10, 2026.
Source: @reelnewshawaii/X, Asad Ayaz/Instagram
Moana
- Release Date
- July 10, 2026
- Director
- Thomas Kail
- Writers
- Ron Clements, John Musker, Chris Williams, Don Hall, Pamela Ribon, Aaron Kandell, Jordan Kandell, Jared Bush, Dana Ledoux Miller
Cast
Catherine Laga'aia
Frankie Adams-
John Tui
In Disney's live-action adaptation of "Moana," a young Polynesian girl embarks on a daring voyage to save her people, seeking the demigod Maui's help to restore the heart of Te Fiti.
- Main Genre
- Adventure
