Disney's Live-Action "Moana" Delayed to 2026

Disney updated its theatrical release calendar on Friday.

The studio pushed the live-action adaptation of the 2016 hit "Moana" from June 27, 2025, to July 10, 2026. There are no competitive releases on that date.

Delaying the movie gives the reimagining more distance from “Moana 2,” an animated sequel that will open on Nov. 27, 2024. It faces intense competition on that date from Universal’s “Wicked,” which is trying to attract similar, family audiences. So far, neither studio is blinking.

The studio also removed another Disney movie title previously dated July 10, 2026, from the schedule.

News of the major delay comes shortly after Johnson confirmed that filming on the remake will get underway at some point later this year.

Set to be directed by Tony Award-winning Hamilton helmer Thomas Kail, it's expected to adhere closely to the animated original's story with an emphasis on the culture and traditions of Pacific Islanders.

It follows the adventurous teen Moana who takes to the seas to save her people on a journey that brings her into contact with the cocky demi-god Maui and helps her uncover her own identity. With his guidance, she braves monsters and treacherous seas to become a master way-finder all her own.

Kail makes his feature directorial debut with the live-action and he will have plenty of returning faces around him for the remake.

Dwayne Johnson is set to reprise his animated role as Maui, however, Auli'i Cravalho will not give voice to Moana in live-action.

Although Cravalho won't be setting sail with Johnson in the remake, she will reprise her role for the animated sequel which sees them encounter a host of new colorful characters on an entirely new adventure.

The original movie's screenwriter Jared Bush will team up with Dana Ledoux Miller to pen the screenplay, while Lin-Manuel Miranda will be back to revitalize his old tracks while potentially writing new material.

Johnson also produces the reimagining take alongside Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions, as well as Beau Flynn via Flynn Picture Co. Exec producers will include original Moana voice actor Auli’i Cravalho, as well as Scott Sheldon of Flynn Picture Co.