Disney’s live-action remake of Moana sails into theaters July 10, bringing the animated classic to the big screen with Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson returning as the demigod Maui. Director Thomas Kail, known for bringing Hamilton to the screen, is steering the film, which keeps the core story: Moana answers the Ocean’s call and journeys beyond her island’s reef with Maui to restore prosperity to her people.

The film runs 1 hour and 55 minutes and features original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, with music by Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina. Producers include Johnson himself, alongside industry veterans Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia.

Why Live-Action Remakes Still Work

Disney’s remake strategy has been tested and refined over the last decade. The live-action Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and The Lion King all delivered strong box office returns. Moana is banking on the same formula: nostalgia plus spectacle.

The animated Moana was beloved because it centered a Pacific Islander protagonist in an adventure story that didn’t shy away from Polynesian culture. The live-action version has that built-in goodwill. Audiences already know they care about this story. The question is whether Laga’aia and Johnson can carry it, and whether the ocean sequences will justify the theatrical experience.

The Box Office Competition

Moana arrives into a crowded July. Disney’s own Toy Story 5 is still holding the box office, Minions & Monsters opened with $36 million for the weekend, and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey arrives July 17. Moana will have a week to capture audience attention before the Nolan juggernaut arrives.

That timing is deliberate. Disney wants to lead with their family film while the big-budget adult audience is still deciding whether to see The Odyssey. If Moana opens strong and word-of-mouth holds, it could maintain the top spot through its opening weekend. But the window is narrow.

Dwayne Johnson’s Maui

Johnson voiced Maui in the original and returns for the live-action version. His comedic timing and physical presence made the character work in animation. In live-action, he’ll have to carry that energy across an actual screen. The demigod is cocky, charming, and skilled. Johnson has played those notes before, so expect him to slide into the role without much strain.

Moana opens July 10 in North America, with international releases following shortly after. For families and Polynesian audiences who felt represented by the original, the live-action version is a must-see event.