Disney surprised CinemaCon attendees by showcasing never‑before‑seen footage from the live‑action **Moana**, including Dwayne Johnson’s first performance as the demigod Maui. The actor sang the iconic song “De Nada”, already wearing the character’s full costume.
## Preview at CinemaCon
During the presentation, Johnson highlighted the dynamic between Moana and Maui, explaining that the demigod’s role represents “what true masculinity is”. He stated that, to him, Moana is “a heroine, a warrior” and that men should support and encourage women, emphasizing that “that’s what this relationship represents”. The actor also shared the personal reason that connects him to the character: “Every word he sings is my grandfather”.
## Cast, plot and release date
The remake features a cast that includes:
– **Catherine Laga’aia** as Moana
– **John Tui** as Chief Tui, Moana’s father
– **Frankie Adams** as Sina, Moana’s mother
– **Rena Owen** as grandmother Tala
– **Dwayne Johnson** reprising Maui
The story follows young Moana on her journey across the South Pacific, where she teams up with the demigod Maui to find a legendary island, face sea creatures, and explore ancient cultures. The film is slated to debut on **July 10, 2026**.
