Disney’s live-action Moana will begin streaming on Disney+ on 21 October, giving the remake a second audience after its disappointing cinema run. Disney+’s updated film guide announces the date, just over three months after the film’s 10 July theatrical debut.
Catherine Laga’aia plays Moana, with Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui after voicing the demigod in the animated films. The new arrival is the 2026 live-action retelling of the original adventure, rather than another animated sequel.
A streaming launch after a difficult cinema run
According to IGN’s report, the remake earned just over $162 million domestically and $323.6 million worldwide. That puts it below earlier Disney live-action adaptations including Lilo & Stitch, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid.
The studio has acknowledged that the film underperformed. Disney president Dana Walden attributed part of the disappointing result to releasing the remake so soon after Moana 2, whose box-office total was nearly three times larger. We previously covered Disney’s explanation of the short gap between the two films.
Disney still expects the remake to perform strongly on its streaming service. IGN reports that the studio pointed to the original animated film’s streaming popularity and the wider franchise, which also includes an EPCOT attraction and merchandise. The Disney+ release gives the live-action version another route to viewers after its theatrical run.
Critical reception was mixed rather than uniformly hostile. IGN awarded the film 6/10 and criticised how closely it followed the animated original. In contrast, Variety’s streaming announcement quotes critic Owen Gleiberman’s favourable review, which praised its beauty, comic personality, and fairy-tale charm.
Who’s in the live-action Moana?
Thomas Kail, whose credits include Hamilton, directs the film. The story follows Moana as she leaves Motunui, sails beyond the reef, and joins Maui on a voyage to restore the heart of Te Fiti and help her village.
John Tui plays Chief Tui, Frankie Adams plays Sina, and Rena Owen plays Gramma Tala. Jemaine Clement also returns to voice Tamatoa, the giant singing crab. Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated films, serves as an executive producer on the remake.
The soundtrack includes Lin-Manuel Miranda’s new song, “Along The Way”, performed by Cravalho, Laga’aia, and Johnson. Disney also lists a deluxe soundtrack, an original score, and Moana: Voices Across The Ocean, an inspired-by album featuring Pacific artists across 15 tracks.
For viewers in the region, our guide to the new Disney+ app in the UAE covers the recent app changes, including Junior Mode and travel access.
When does the live-action Moana arrive on Disney+?
The announced streaming date is 21 October 2026.
Is Catherine Laga’aia the voice of Moana in the animated films?
No. Laga’aia plays the live-action character; Auli’i Cravalho voices Moana in the animated films.
Does Dwayne Johnson return as Maui?
Yes. Johnson plays Maui on screen after voicing him in the animated franchise.
