The first teaser of the live-action of Oceania offers a glimpse of the new journey of the young heroine, played by newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia. In the film, the courageous girl once again answers the call of the Ocean, a central element of the story, as she leaves her home island of Motunui. The demigod Maui returns alongside her, a role reprized by Dwayne Johnson, who already voiced the character in the animated film.
Cast and characters confirmed
The cast brings together actors chosen to respect the Polynesian setting: John Tui will play the role of Chief Tui, Vaiana’s father; Frankie Adams will play Sina, the mother; while Rena Owen will be the wise Grandma Tala. Alongside the protagonists, the inevitable and awkward Hei Hei also reappears, together with the Kakamora tribe, shown in the teaser in a short sequence.
The direction is entrusted to Thomas Kail, already a Disney collaborator thanks to Hamilton. Producers include Dwayne Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia and Lin-Manuel Miranda, author of the famous songs from the animated film, including How Far I’ll Goknown in Italy as Who is Moana. Auli’i Cravalho, the historic animated voice of the protagonist, is also involved in the project but not in the cast: she instead participates as a producer, guaranteeing continuity with the spirit of the 2016 classic.
In Italian cinemas on 19 August 2026
The teaser seems to suggest a very faithful approach to the original work: we see the island again, the relationship between Vaiana and the Ocean, the exuberant character of Maui and the liveliness of the population of Motunui. The film will arrive in the United States on July 10, 2026 and will debut in Italian theaters on August 19, 2026.
The short film does not show new plot elements, but above all aims to recreate the atmosphere of the Disney classic. Between natural scenarios, iconic characters and a carefully constructed cast, this new version of Oceania promises a familiar but renewed journey, waiting to find out if the adaptation will win over long-time fans and new generations.
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