Moana (2016) vs Moana (2026)
Moana (2016) and Moana (2026) tell the same beloved ocean adventure in two different cinematic styles. The original is Disney’s animated classic, while the 2026 version brings the story into live action with real-world performances and visual effects.
Moana (2016)
The original Moana is an animated adventure about a young Polynesian girl who sails across the ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti. It features the voices of Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui. The movie became popular for its memorable songs, colorful animation, humor, and emotional story.
Moana (2026)
The 2026 Moana is a live-action adaptation of the original story. Catherine Lagaʻaia plays Moana, while Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui. The new movie brings the characters, islands, ocean, and mythology into a live-action setting while introducing audiences to a new version of the classic adventure.
Key Differences
| Feature | Moana (2016) | Moana (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Animated | Live Action |
| Moana | Auliʻi Cravalho | Catherine Lagaʻaia |
| Maui | Dwayne Johnson | Dwayne Johnson |
| Release Year | 2016 | 2026 |
| Story | Original animated adventure | Live-action adaptation |
| Visual Style | Disney animation | Live-action & VFX |
