All fans of the popular Disney character Moana will have to wait a little longer than previously thought before they get to see the highly anticipated live-action remake of the film. Because the live-action version of the animated film “Moana” will not be released in cinemas in summer 2025 as previously announced. Instead, Disney has given “Moana” a new US theatrical release date of July 10, 2026, as the industry magazine “Variety” reports, among others. There are several reasons for the postponement of the work.
About a year ago it was announced that the iconic 2016 animated film “Moana” was getting a remake with real actors. In the live-action version, Maui voice actor Dwayne Johnson (51) will reprise his role from the animated film, while Moana voice actor Auli’i Cravalho (23) will not return.
Disney has now postponed the previously announced film in order to avoid competition from its own company. The animated film sequel “Moana 2” will be released in cinemas in November 2024. The original theatrical release date for the live-action remake of the first part would therefore have been too close to the release date of “Moana 2”, so that the works might have taken audience away from each other. In addition, filming on the live-action “Moana” film has probably not even started yet, which may have been another reason for the postponement of the start date.
“Moana” star Dwayne Johnson announced in February of this year that the leading actress and successor to animated film narrator Auli’i Cravalho had already been found for the upcoming live-action film. However, the former wrestler and current Hollywood star did not want to give a name yet. An official announcement should follow here shortly. Johnson also revealed at the time that superstar and Grammy award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda (44) would return to contribute songs to the live-action version, as he did with the animated success “Moana.”
