The live-action Moana movie arrives on Disney+ on 21 October 2026, bringing Dwayne Johnson back as Maui alongside Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana in Disney’s spectacular reimagining of its beloved animated adventure. The family-friendly film will stream exclusively on Disney+, giving UK viewers the chance to experience the iconic ocean voyage, unforgettable songs and inspirational story from home.
Disney+ has confirmed that the live-action adaptation will be available to stream from Wednesday, 21 October 2026. Families can join Moana and Maui as they travel beyond the reef of Motunui on a mission to restore prosperity to Moana’s people.
Combining spectacular visuals, familiar music and a new live-action interpretation of the original story, Moana is set to bring one of Disney’s most recognisable adventures to another generation of viewers.
Moana Disney+ Release Date: When Can You Watch It?
The live-action Moana will be available exclusively on Disney+ from 21 October 2026.
Here are the key details for viewers planning to watch the film:
- Movie: Moana (live-action)
- Disney+ release date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
- Streaming platform: Disney+
- UK availability: Disney+ UK
- Lead cast: Catherine Lagaʻaia and Dwayne Johnson
- Genre: Family adventure, fantasy and musical
- Story setting: The Pacific island of Motunui and the ocean beyond its reef
- Original inspiration: Disney’s animated Moana
- New song: “Along The Way”
- Classic songs featured: “How Far I’ll Go” and “I Am Moana”
The film will be available to stream through Disney+ rather than requiring viewers to visit a cinema, making it an option for family movie nights during the autumn half-term period.
What Is the Live-Action Moana About?
Disney’s live-action Moana retells the story of a courageous young wayfinder who answers the ocean’s call and ventures beyond the familiar waters surrounding her island.
Catherine Lagaʻaia stars as Moana, a determined young woman who sets sail from Motunui to help restore prosperity to her people. Along the way, she joins forces with Maui, the larger-than-life demigod played by Dwayne Johnson.
Their journey takes them into dangerous and unfamiliar waters, where Moana must discover her own strength, trust her instincts and embrace her destiny.
The official synopsis describes an adventure built around Moana’s determination to save her community, with Maui accompanying her on a journey that tests both characters.
At its heart, the film explores themes of courage, identity, family, cultural heritage and the importance of protecting the world around us.
Dwayne Johnson Returns as Maui in Live-Action Moana
One of the biggest attractions of the new Moana film is Dwayne Johnson’s return as Maui.
Johnson previously voiced the demigod in Disney’s original animated film, helping make the character a fan favourite through his humour, confidence and larger-than-life personality.
In the live-action adaptation, he reprises the role in a new on-screen interpretation of the shape-shifting demigod. Maui joins Moana on her ocean voyage, bringing his legendary abilities, mischievous personality and complicated relationship with his own reputation to the adventure.
His return also provides a familiar connection between the animated original and the live-action remake, giving longtime fans another opportunity to revisit one of the story’s most popular characters.
Who Plays Moana in the Live-Action Movie?
Catherine Lagaʻaia takes on the title role of Moana, following Auliʻi Cravalho’s celebrated voice performance in the original animated film.
The character remains at the centre of the story: a courageous young woman who challenges expectations and discovers that leadership means more than simply following tradition.
The live-action format gives audiences a fresh interpretation of Moana’s journey, from her home on Motunui to the vast ocean beyond the reef.
With Lagaʻaia leading the film and Johnson returning as Maui, Disney brings together a new on-screen Moana with a familiar face from the original story.
Moana Soundtrack: Which Songs Are in the Live-Action Film?
Music is an essential part of the Moana experience, and the live-action adaptation brings back familiar songs while introducing new music.
Viewers can look forward to songs including:
- “How Far I’ll Go” — the iconic song associated with Moana’s desire to explore the ocean beyond her island.
- “I Am Moana” — a powerful musical moment connected to Moana’s identity and sense of purpose.
- “Along The Way” — a new song featured in the live-action film.
The combination of familiar musical moments and new material gives fans another way to experience the story while introducing younger audiences to the songs that helped make the original film so popular.
For families who enjoy Disney musicals, the soundtrack is likely to be a major part of the film’s appeal.
Why Disney Is Bringing Moana Back in Live Action
The live-action adaptation builds on the continued popularity of Disney’s original animated Moana.
According to the supplied Disney announcement, the animated film has accumulated more than 1.5 billion hours streamed globally on Disney+, making it one of the platform’s most-watched titles.
That enduring audience provides a strong foundation for the new version, which revisits the story through live-action performances, cinematic imagery and a fresh interpretation of its characters.
The remake also gives audiences who grew up with the animated film a chance to share the adventure with their own children, while offering new viewers an accessible introduction to Moana’s world.
Rather than abandoning the elements that made the original popular, the live-action version brings back the central friendship, music and themes of the story in a different visual style.
Where to Watch Moana in the UK
UK viewers will be able to watch the live-action Moana exclusively on Disney+ from 21 October 2026.
Disney+ subscriptions in the UK start from £5.99 per month, according to the supplied information. Pricing and plan availability may change, so viewers should check the official Disney+ website for current subscription options.
The streaming service offers films and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Hulu, alongside original productions, documentaries, dramas, comedies and family entertainment.
Disney+ also offers parental controls, including content restrictions, PIN-protected profiles and Junior Mode profiles, helping parents manage what younger family members can watch.
For viewers planning a family movie night, Moana joins a broad catalogue of animated favourites, live-action adventures and Disney originals available through the platform.
Is the Live-Action Moana Suitable for Family Movie Night?
The film’s adventure-driven story, memorable music and themes of courage and family make it a natural choice for households looking for a shared viewing experience.
Moana’s journey focuses on discovering her identity, protecting her community and learning to face challenges with determination. Her relationship with Maui adds humour and energy, while the ocean voyage provides the spectacle expected of a Disney adventure.
Parents should check the film’s official UK age rating and content guidance before watching with younger children.
With its familiar characters and new live-action presentation, the film offers an opportunity for longtime fans to revisit the story and for younger viewers to discover Moana for the first time.
Moana on Disney+: Everything You Need to Know
The live-action Moana arrives on Disney+ on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, starring Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui.
The film follows the young wayfinder as she ventures beyond the reef of Motunui to restore prosperity to her people, combining a familiar Disney adventure with live-action performances, spectacular ocean imagery and a soundtrack featuring classic songs alongside new music.
For UK viewers, Disney+ will be the exclusive streaming destination for the film from its release date.
Planning your next family movie night? Add the live-action Moana to your watchlist for 21 October 2026 on Disney+.
Keep checking WhereToWatch.tv for more Disney+ release dates, streaming guides, film news and updates on the latest movies coming to your favourite platforms.
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