The teaser trailer for the live-action Moana (2024) reimagines the beloved animated story with stunning realism, starring Auliʻi Cravalho reprising her role as Moana and Dwayne Johnson returning as the powerful demigod Maui. The teaser hints at a journey as epic as the original but with a fresh take on the Pacific Islander culture and landscape, bringing viewers closer to the ocean, lush islands, and the mythic forces at play.
The trailer opens with breathtaking shots of the ocean and islands, revealing a young Moana drawn to the water. Cravalho brings a deeper, matured portrayal of Moana, displaying a confident yet curious demeanor as she questions her identity and purpose. The scene shifts to her village, where her father Chief Tui warns her of the ocean’s dangers, urging her to stay on the island. Yet Moana feels an irresistible pull to explore beyond her world, especially as the blight affecting the island’s coconuts and fish is shown to be worsening.
A glimpse of the powerful demigod Maui, played by Dwayne Johnson, brings a nostalgic thrill, as his larger-than-life persona remains as bold and playful as ever. In this version, Maui is a bit more weathered, showing scars and perhaps regret, indicating he’s learned from his past mistakes. As Moana sets sail in search of the demigod, her journey is portrayed with a mix of high adventure and peril, as viewers see her braving massive waves, battling the Kakamora (those pesky, coconut-clad pirates), and summoning courage to face the unknown.
Maui’s magical fishhook and shapeshifting abilities are brought to life with incredible CGI, allowing viewers to see him transform into a giant hawk soaring above the ocean. One of the trailer’s most exciting moments features Moana and Maui joining forces to battle a newly designed Te Kā, the lava demon, who appears even more terrifying in live-action, with molten lava streaming down its monstrous form. Te Kā’s portrayal hints at an intense showdown that will test both Moana’s courage and Maui’s strength.
The trailer also includes a sneak peek of Moana’s heartwarming bond with the ocean, which appears as a living, playful entity guiding and protecting her. A reimagined version of “How Far I’ll Go” plays softly in the background, building to a powerful crescendo as Moana faces the climactic moment of placing the Heart of Te Fiti back in its rightful place. The teaser hints that her mission isn’t just about restoring balance but also about discovering who she is meant to become.
With Cravalho and Johnson back in their iconic roles, the live-action Moana promises both adventure and emotional depth. The trailer’s visuals and fresh take on the original plot suggest that this adaptation will honor Polynesian mythology and showcase a heroine whose journey speaks to finding one’s voice and embracing one’s destiny. Fans can expect a familiar yet excitingly immersive new journey when Moana arrives in theaters.
