Disney’s live-action remakes have often banked on the familiarity of their animated originals, bringing well-known characters and songs to the screen in a different visual format. While nostalgia can draw audiences to theatres, streaming offers these reimaginings another opportunity to find viewers, particularly those who prefer revisiting familiar stories from home.

Few recent Disney properties have enjoyed the staying power of Moana. The 2016 animated film, with its story of a young wayfinder venturing beyond the reef to save her island, became a popular family favourite, with its music contributing significantly to its appeal. Its sequel further expanded the franchise, setting expectations for the live-action adaptation that followed.

The live-action version of Moana, starring Catherine Lagaʻaia and Dwayne Johnson, is set to make its streaming debut on Disney+ on October 21, 2026. Disney confirmed the date through its official platform, following the film’s theatrical release on July 10.

Directed by Thomas Kail, known for the stage musical Hamilton, the film follows Moana as she answers the ocean’s call and sails beyond the reef of Motunui. She joins forces with Maui, the shape-shifting demigod played by Johnson, on a journey to restore prosperity to her people. Lagaʻaia takes over the titular role from Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated films and serves as an executive producer on the live-action version.

The cast also includes John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, while Jemaine Clement returns as the voice of Tamatoa. The film retains familiar songs from the original, alongside the new song 'Along the Way', written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The soundtrack also features contributions from Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina, who composed the original score. The 2026 adaptation joins Disney’s continuing slate of live-action reinterpretations of its animated catalogue.