Disney’s ‘Moana’ Live-Action Remake Drops First Teaser, Features “How Far I’ll Go”

Walt Disney Studios Pictures has released the teaser trailer for its upcoming live‑action remake of Moana, giving audiences an early look at the adaptation and a fresh rendition of “How Far I’ll Go.”

The one-minute teaser introduces up-and-coming actress Catherine Lagaʻaia as the titular character, making her the second actress to portray the role after Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced the character in the 2016 original film and its 2024 sequel, Moana 2.

In the trailer, Lagaʻaia is heard singing “How Far I’ll Go,” along with glimpses of the live-action adaptation, a near beat-for-beat, shot-for-shot remake of the original 2016 animated film.

Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the song was nominated for Best Original Song at both the 89th Academy Awards and the 74th Golden Globe Awards, and it won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. Additionally, Canadian singer Alessia Cara also recorded the song for the film’s soundtrack.

The film is directed by Thomas Kail (best known for Hamilton on Broadway) and features an all‑new cast alongside returning voices and producers. Dwayne Johnson, who voiced the demigod Maui in the animated films, will also be returning as the character, with the teaser giving a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment.

Originally released in 2016, the Disney animated film Moana became a cultural phenomenon, celebrating Polynesian culture. The live-action Moana is slated to hit cinemas in July 2026.

Watch the official teaser for Moana below:

Ralph Regis

Lifestyle and Culture Writer

Ralph Regis is a Lifestyle and Culture Writer at Billboard Philippines, where he bridges the worlds of film, television, fashion, art, food, and cultural trends with both the local and international music scene.

He has written extensively about artist collaborations, brand partnerships, and pop culture moments that connect back to music. He also brings stories to life through in-depth interviews with musicians and personalities, drawing on their diverse perspectives, opinions, and reflections on the human condition.

In addition, Ralph also writes about music releases across a wide range of genres, including pop, hip-hop, P-pop, and rock, highlighting both rising and established artists. With a passion for storytelling that goes beyond trends, he explores how music is part of our daily lives in one form or another, connecting culture, experiences, and everything in between.

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