Moana makes a splash in live action.

Disney’s live action Moana sets sail for the big screen in July, reimagining one of the studio’s most beloved modern stories. With sweeping visuals and a return to the heart of Moana’s journey, the film stays true to its core themes of identity, courage and connection, while bringing the story to life in a whole new way.

The anticipation is already undeniable. The first teaser amassed 182 million views at launch, marking the second biggest debut for a Disney live action film behind The Lion King (2019). It’s a clear signal of the franchise’s enduring popularity. Since its release in 2016, Moana has become one of Disney’s most streamed films of the past five years, while 2024’s Moana 2 went on to become the second highest-grossing animated film of all time in Australia, reinforcing the franchise’s strong local connection and sustained relevance.

The live-action adaptation also brings a distinctly Australian lens, with Sydney’s own Catherine Laga’aia stepping into the lead role of Moana. Alongside her, Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, ensuring the film retains the charisma and energy that audiences have come to love.

Moana is expected to index highly among Young Parents (150ix) and Big Spenders (136ix). For brands across automotive, finance, retail, technology and travel, this presents a powerful opportunity to connect with a multi-generational audience as families come together to re-immerse in Moana’s story, reimagined in live action.

Moana releases in cinemas July 8.

Want to find out how your brand can tap into the power of the family unit? Explore our latest Famous for Families research at valmorgan.com.au/famous.