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Disney releases a new first look at live-action Moana
Disney has unveiled a striking new image of Katherine Lagaia in the title role of its upcoming live-action adaptation of Moana. The studio shared the photo as part of an early marketing push that emphasizes visual fidelity to the 2016 animated classic, with costume and styling rooted in Polynesian-inspired design. For Lagaia, this project marks a high-profile cinematic debut and her first step into professional acting on a major studio stage.
The live-action Moana is billed as a musical adventure that revisits the heart of the original story: a courageous young woman who sails across the ocean to save her people, accompanied by the trickster demigod Maui. Dwayne Johnson returns to voice and portray Maui and also serves as a producer, lending continuity to the franchise and signaling Disney's intent to honor fans of the animated film.
Creative team and adaptation notes
Directed by Thomas Kail and written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film aims to balance spectacle with cultural sensitivity. The new image suggests a careful visual approach, one that keeps the familiar silhouette and costume elements of animated Moana while translating them into lived-in, textured materials suitable for live-action cinematography.
Comparisons to previous Disney live-action remakes are inevitable. Where films like The Lion King leaned heavily on photorealistic CGI and Aladdin blended spectacle with theatrical performance, Moana faces the challenge of staging oceanic set pieces and musical sequences while preserving the mythic tone of Polynesian storytelling. Fans and critics will watch closely to see how the filmmakers adapt animation's expressive freedom into real-world physicality and choreography.
Beyond technical adaptation, the project sits within a broader industry trend of revisiting popular animated properties with live-action remakes. These reboots often spark debates about cultural representation, authenticity, and the role of original creators versus new creative teams. Early fan reaction to the image has been mixed but largely excited, with many praising the casting choice and the visual homage to the beloved 2016 film.
As the July 10, 2026 release date approaches, expect more behind-the-scenes glimpses and music previews that will reveal how faithful — and how fresh — this new chapter of Moana will feel. Whether the live-action Moana becomes a triumphant reimagining or a cautious retelling will depend on how it balances spectacle, music, and cultural respect.
Short note: this first look promises a visually respectful adaptation, and the coming months should offer a clearer picture of the film's tone and musical direction.
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