After failing to make waves in theaters, Disney‘s live-action adaptation of Moana comes to Disney+ on October 21, 2026.
In Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island, Motunui, with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.
In this live-action translation of the 2016 animated hit, newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia straps on the oar as the wayfinder Moana, while Dwayne Johnson dusts off his magic fishhook to reprise his role as the swaggering demigod Maui. The plot stays true to form, tracking the duo past the reef of Motunui on a quest to save Moana’s island home.
To celebrate the upcoming October 21 release of the live-action Moana on Disney+, Disney and Heal the Bay — a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to making the coastal waters and watersheds of Greater Los Angeles safe, healthy, and clean — are teaming up for a special community beach cleanup on Saturday, October 17. Hundreds of volunteers and their families are invited to Santa Monica Beach to roll up their sleeves and help keep the coast clean with a Moana-themed cleanup, followed by a special performance led by Moana choreographer and associate producer Tiana Nonosina Liufau, photo opportunities, giveaways, and more.
While opinions about the film’s quality vary, JoBlo’s Chris Bumbray thought Disney’s live-action take on Moana was a bummer. In his review, Chris wrote, “Even if you have kids who want a day out at the movies, I’d wager you could do better than this Moana remake simply by throwing the original on—or even taking them to see something else. When the seventh Minions movie seems many times more original by comparison, something’s gone awry.”
Still, it’s important to form your own opinion, especially if you’re passionate about something, like Disney or movies in general. The good news is that lots more people can experience Moana for themselves later this month when the film comes to Disney+. You’re welcome!
Will you check out Moana when it comes to Disney+? Let us know in the comments section below.