CinemaCon, an annual movie theater trade show held in Las Vegas, received an extended look at the new live-action Moana remake.

Dwayne Johnson at CinemaCon

Dwayne Johnson also took to the stage to talk about his personal connection to Maui. He notes that Maui has been with him for over a decade, so it means a lot to him to have the opportunity to bring Maui to life with the live-action remake.

Johnson shared that the demigod’s animated look was partially inspired by his grandfather, Samoan professional wrestler Peter “High Chief” Maivia. Johnson shared a photo of Maivia to the audience, who applauded at the likeness with the character.

Before introducing Catherine Laga’aia, who plays live-action Moana, Johnson shared that the Moana is not a princess, but a warrior. He told the crowd that his role as Maui is to guide and empower her. “All men of all ages, we should empower and support and champion all women. That’s what real masculinity looks like.”

Live-Action ‘Moana’

In Moana, Disney’s live-action reimagining of the Oscar-nominated animated movie, Moana (Catherine Laga’aia) answers the Ocean’s call and voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on a journey to restore prosperity to her people.

The film is directed by Emmy and Tony Award winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton); produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda; and executive produced by Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, and Auliʻi Cravalho (the original voice of Moana in the animated films Moana and Moana 2).

Moana features original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, and an original score composed by Mancina.

Watch the Moana trailer below:

The movie releases in theaters on July 10, 2026.

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