Come what may, she knows the way.

Make way! Moana sets sail for adventure in live-action adaptation teaser trailer

Come what may, she knows the way.

By Emlyn Travis

Emlyn Travis is a news writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2022. Her work has previously appeared on MTV News, Teen Vogue, and *NME*.

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November 17, 2025 1:13 p.m. ET

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Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana in 'Moana'. Credit:

See the line where the sky meets the sea? That’s what’s calling to Catherine Lagaʻaia in the teaser trailer for Disney’s upcoming live-action *Moana *adaptation. **

The clip, which debuted on Monday, features the 18-year-old Australian actress singing "I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)" as it recreates several key scenes from the original 2016 animated film, including Moana’s playful relationship with the ocean as a child and her thrilling encounter with the fearsome Kakamora.**

It all culminates with Laga’aia standing triumphantly aboard her boat as she sings, “I am Moana!”

Catherina Laga'aia as Moana in Disney's live-action 'Moana,' Moana in the animated 'Moana'.

Moana isn’t the only one charting a course for a brand new adventure. Dwayne Johnson’s Maui can be briefly seen from behind in one sequence as he easily shifts from a beetle into his human form. In another, the demigod uses his magical fish hook to transform into a hawk as he boldly leaps off a ledge and soars through the skies.

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In addition to Laga'aia and Johnson, Moana’s royal family is rounded out with performances by John Tui, who will play her stern father Chief Tui; Frankie Adams, who stars as her mom Sina; and Rena Owen as the beloved Gramma Tala.

Laga'aia previously shared how much it means to her to be stepping into Moana's shoes when her casting was first announced last June. She takes over the role from Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced the character in the 2016 animated film and its 2024 sequel.

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“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” Laga’aia said in a press release. “My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”**

Directed by Thomas Kail (*Hamilton*), the live-action adaptation of *Moana* centers around its titular heroine as she answers the ocean’s call and sets off for adventure to save her island — much to the dismay of her parents. She meets new friends, learns more about herself and her family, and courts some serious danger along the way.

In addition to serving as Maui, Johnson is also a producer on the film alongside Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda. The adaptation is also executive produced by Cravalho, Kail, Scott Sheldon, and Charles Newirth.*****Moana* makes land in cinemas on July 10, 2026. Watch the teaser above.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Movies”