Categories: News

Dwayne Johnson Shares ‘Moana’ Live-Action Movie Cast & Release Date ArticlePure

There’s just no telling how far Disney’s Moana live-action movie will go!

Dwayne Johnson, 52, reshared the casting news for the upcoming film in an Instagram post on Friday, July 5, and reminded everyone that he’ll be reprising the role of the demigod Maui, who he voiced for 2016’s animated Moana and 2024’s Moana 2.

In the update, the actor revealed “production begins this August” and said the live-action film hits theaters on “June 27, 2025,” which appears to be a new release date as Disney originally slated it for July 10, 2026.

“Exciting and inspiring casting news as we begin to bring together our live action MOANA family,” Johnson wrote in the post, which included headshots of the cast next to the animated versions of their characters.

Catherine Laga’aia will play Moana in the 2025 live-action movie.

Alexei Hay; Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock


The actor also reminded followers that newcomer Catherine Laga’aia will play the titular Polynesian heroine in the new film.

John Tui, who had a role in Johnson’s NBC series Young Rock based on the former WWE star’s life and childhood, will play Moana’s father, Chief Tui. Frankie Adams will play Moana’s mom, Sina, and Rena Owen will play her grandmother, Gramma Tala.

“And yours truly, as the demigod ~ MAUI?,” Johnson wrote in the caption.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Dwayne Johnson speaks onstage at Walt Disney Studios’ 2024 presentation highlighting its upcoming release schedule.

Jerod Harris/Getty


“It’s our deepest honor to share the legends, songs, dances and traditions of our Polynesian culture with all of you and your families around the world,” the Jumanji star concluded.

The film will be directed by Thomas Kail and the music will be composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer??, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Disney originally announced the cast in June.

Varshil

Recent Posts

Kiernan Shipka Says She Knew What Was Going on in ‘Mad Men’ as a Child Star ArticlePure

Mad Men star Kiernan Shipka is praising the show’s behind-the-scenes efforts to shield her from…

5 hours ago

‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant Goes Viral After Hilarious ‘Missolve’ ArticlePure

A Wheel of Fortune contestant has gone viral for his hilarious "missolve." On the Monday,…

13 hours ago

Tennis Channel Removes Jon Wertheim After Comment About Barbora Krej?íková ArticlePure

The Tennis Channel has benched Jon Wertheim after he made an “inappropriate comment” regarding professional…

21 hours ago

Olympian Raygun Says She’s Not Fully Retiring from Breakdancing ArticlePure

Paris Olympic competitor Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn seemingly announced earlier this month that she was done…

1 day ago

The 4 Best Flannel Sheets of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE ArticlePure

As the weather cools down, it may be time to swap out your bedding. If…

2 days ago

Christine Promises Newly-Divorced Meri It’s ‘Better on the Other Side’ ArticlePure

Meri Brown is still processing her divorce from her longtime husband Kody Brown — and…

2 days ago