See Dwayne Johnson's Maui in the new Moana trailer. Discover why his look was hidden and how Disney's live-action remake honors the original.
- March 24, 2026
AceShowbiz - The recent release of the first official trailer for Moana’s live-action remake reveals why the initial teaser held back a clear view of Maui. In this new preview, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson appears with a budget curly wig, standing under a bright sun as he introduces himself to the Polynesian heroine, played by Catherine Laga'aia, as the “Hero of men ... ah, and women, too.” Maui’s signature line, “You’re welcome,” remains intact, underscoring Disney’s current approach to representation.
This trailer closely follows the plot of the original animated, Oscar-winning film. Moana is tasked with saving her island by seeking out the demigod Maui and returning the heart to Te Fiti. Fans can spot familiar animal companions such as Pua and HeiHei, along with the shiny-obsessed crab Tamatoa and the coconut pirate Kakamora.
Visually and narratively, nothing in this trailer suggests major departures from the animated classic. However, despite the faithful retelling, the film is expected to perform well financially. The hope is that the proceeds might contribute to a bigger budget for Maui’s wig in any future sequels, addressing one of the more noticeable costume choices in this version.
Moana is scheduled for release on July 10, and anticipation remains high to see how this beloved story translates to live action while maintaining the elements that made the original so successful.