Moana: A New Adventure Awaits in Theaters July 10, 2026

Disney's beloved animated film Moana is set to make waves once again with a live-action adaptation, directed by Thomas Kail, known for his work on Hamilton and Grease Live. Slated for release on July 10, 2026, this new interpretation promises to bring fresh energy to the story of a young woman determined to forge her own path.

A Talented Team Behind the Lens

Thomas Kail expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie, and John through this casting process. I am humbled by this opportunity, and I cannot wait to all be on set together. And there's no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne—actually, trio: Heihei is ready, too.” This sets a positive tone for the collaborative spirit on set, highlighting the passion of the creative team.

Celebrating Pacific Islander Culture

The live-action Moana will honor the islands, communities, and traditions of Pacific Islanders, delivering a spectacular adventure that showcases their rich heritage. The production is set to begin filming this summer, promising to bring stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling to the big screen once more.

Key Players in Production

The film is produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia through their company, Seven Bucks Productions, alongside Beau Flynn from FlynnPictureCo. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who composed the original songs for the animated film, is also onboard as a producer, ensuring that the music remains a vital component of this new adaptation.

Executive producers include Scott Sheldon from FlynnPictureCo., Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 animated version, and Charles Newirth, all of whom are integral to the project's success. Their involvement adds layers of authenticity and continuity to the beloved story.

A Fresh Script

The screenplay for the live-action Moana has been crafted by Jared Bush, a veteran of Disney Animation who penned the original film, and Dana Ledoux Miller, a Samoan writer known for her work on Netflix's Thai Cave Rescue. Miller is also a co-founder of the non-profit Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK), which focuses on promoting Pacific Islander talent and stories in the entertainment industry.

Casting Calls

Disney's live-action casting directors for the upcoming ‘Moana' movie is now casting and hiring actors in Atlanta, Georgia and Oahu, Hawaii. Check out the latest casting calls and acting auditions below.

Disney's ‘Moana' Casting Call for New Talent

Background Artists for Disney's Moana Filming in Hawaii

Job Description: We are seeking enthusiastic background artists for the upcoming filming of Disney's Moana in Hawaii. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals aged 9 to 99 who are local to Oahu. Selected individuals will be part of the Hawaiian portion of the film and must be new faces who have not previously worked or submitted for this project.

Job Responsibilities:

• Participate as a background artist in various scenes for Disney's Moana.
• Follow the instructions of the casting director and production team during the shoot.
• Arrive on set punctually and ready to perform.
• Provide multiple photos, including headshots and full-body shots, to assist in the casting process.
• Ensure availability during the filming period and maintain flexibility with the production schedule.

Requirements:

• Must be a local resident of Oahu.
• Age range: 9-99 years old.
• Ability to provide recent photos: a selfie/headshot, 4 full-body photos (front/back/right-facing/left-facing), and photos of any tattoos (if applicable).
• Confirmation of availability during the filming period.
• Must not have previously submitted or worked on this project (NEW FACES ONLY).
• Union status should be provided if applicable (SAG or Non-Union).

Compensation Details:

• Rate: $216/8 hours for SAG members.
• Rate: $120/8 hours for Non-Union.

Disney's ‘Moana' Virtual Open Casting Call

Digital Open Casting Call for Disney's Moana

Job Description: Alessi Hartigan Casting presents a digital open casting call for individuals on the west side of Oahu to be part of the Moana project. The production is looking for new faces to help populate the fictional island of Motunui. This is a fantastic opportunity for locals to participate in a unique project, particularly individuals of Polynesian/Pacific Islander descent.

Job Responsibilities:

• Appear in the production as background talent, portraying residents of the fictional island of Motunui.
• Follow the direction of the production team to maintain the authentic atmosphere of the project.
• Help create a visually captivating and culturally representative scene.

Requirements:

• Must be based on the west side of Oahu.
• Polynesian/Pacific Islander descent preferred.
• Long hair and minimal tattoos are a plus.
• No previous acting experience required, but must be comfortable on camera.
• Must be available during the required shooting period in November.

Compensation:

• Full details regarding compensation will be provided upon selection. Compensation will be competitive and reflect industry standards.

Conclusion

As the anticipation builds for this new chapter of Moana, fans can look forward to a film that not only pays homage to the original but also enriches the narrative with cultural depth and new perspectives. With an accomplished team at the helm, this live-action adaptation aims to resonate with audiences young and old, reaffirming the timeless tale of courage, identity, and adventure. Keep an eye out for Moana in theaters on July 10, 2026—it's sure to be a cinematic journey worth taking!