Disney has officially dropped the first teaser for its upcoming Moana live action movie — and the internet is buzzing once again. The 2016 animated classic has already earned a massive fanbase, and after the 2024 animated sequel, many believed Disney would finally move on to something new. But the studio surprised everyone by announcing a full live-action remake starring Catherine Laga’aia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson returning as the iconic demigod Maui.
Disney Drops Teaser, Internet Reacts Instantly
On Tuesday, Disney shared the teaser on its official pages with the caption:
“#Moana, arriving only in theaters July 10, 2026 🌊 Watch the new teaser now!”
Within minutes, social media lit up.
Some fans are thrilled to see their favorite ocean-loving heroine come to life. Others, however, criticized Disney for repeatedly turning animated classics into live-action movies instead of creating fresh stories or new princesses.
Still, the hype is real — especially after the recent live-action Lilo & Stitch became a massive box office hit. And now, all eyes are on the young actress carrying the heart of this franchise.
So… Who Is Catherine Laga’aia?
At just 18 years old, Catherine Laga’aia is stepping into one of Disney’s most beloved roles. She’s a rising actress with roots connected deeply to Polynesian culture — something fans have praised Disney for honoring in its casting choices.
In the film, Catherine plays Moana, the brave and compassionate daughter of a village chief. Just like in the original story, Moana is chosen by the ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti. Along the way, she teams up with the larger-than-life demigod Maui, played once again by Dwayne Johnson.
A New Face, a Big Role, and a Huge Moment for Representation
This teaser gives us just a small taste — a few shots of Catherine as Moana, a glimpse of Maui, and the same ocean-filled adventure energy fans love. But it’s already clear: Catherine Laga’aia is stepping into something huge.
Final Thoughts
With the Moana live action film set to release on July 10, 2026, you can expect a lot more teasers, behind-the-scenes moments, and discussions around Catherine’s breakout role. If the online buzz is any sign, this young star is about to make waves far beyond the ocean.
Stay tuned — more updates coming as Disney reveals them.
✍️Ammar is a dedicated news writer and blogger with over six years of experience in producing clear, trustworthy, and engaging content. At Cartographicdesign.com, he delivers the latest trending Topic to keep readers informed and up to date.
