Moana – Official Behind the Scenes Clip (2026) Catherine Lagaʻaia, Dwayne Johnson

Don’t miss the ‘Catherine and Moana’ Featurette for Moana, a live-action reimagining of the animated film Moana. Get a behind-the-scenes look at Catherine Lagaʻaia becoming the live-action version of Moana. Moana is in theaters on July 10.

In addition to Lagaʻaia and Johnson, the “Moana” cast includes Auckland, New Zealand, native John Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealander Frankie Adams, who portrays Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen, from Bay of Islands, New Zealand, as Moana’s revered Gramma Tala.

In Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved Oscar-nominated animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.

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

Moana opens in U.S. theaters on July 10, 2026.

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Moana – Official Behind the Scenes Clip (2026) Catherine Lagaʻaia, Dwayne Johnson

The 2026 behind-the-scenes clip from Moana offers a rare glimpse into the collaboration, craftsmanship, and shared vision that bring a modern interpretation of a beloved classic to life. Filmed during a pivotal phase of production, the footage centers on the synergy between Catherine Lagaʻaia, a driving force behind the film’s voice and performance direction, and Dwayne Johnson, whose return to the role of Maui anchors the story with charisma, heart, and mythic presence.

From the outset, the clip emphasizes preparation beneath the surface of the final product. Viewers are treated to candid conversations about character motivation, the tonal balance between humor and reverence, and the importance of cultural authenticity in a reimagined narrative that honors its Polynesian roots. Lagaʻaia’s insights into performance coaching highlight how emotion, intention, and rhythm are interwoven to create a Maui who feels both timeless and contemporary. Johnson, while unmistakably Maui in stature and swagger, reveals a disciplined process: vocal warmups, the study of sea- and wind-swept cadences, and a collaborative approach to motion capture that ensures his physicality remains grounded in character while translating into dynamic animation.

The clip also provides a closer look at the technical backbone of production. Directors and animators discuss the challenges of translating cultural storytelling into a cinematic language that resonates across generations and geographies. The environments—vast ocean vistas, lush island interiors, and intricate cultural motifs—are treated with reverence and meticulous attention to detail. The team speaks to the fusion of practical effects with cutting-edge technology, illustrating how tactile references, motion capture data, and digital artistry converge to deliver sequences that feel immersive and authentic.

Beyond the spectacle, the behind-the-scenes content underscores a shared commitment to community, collaboration, and responsible storytelling. The filmmakers emphasize consultation with cultural advisors and storytellers who help frame the film’s myths in a way that honors tradition while inviting new audiences to participate in the legend. This approach is reflected in the film’s pacing, music, and visual storytelling, where every beat serves the larger arc of personal discovery, resilience, and stewardship of the natural world.

For fans and industry observers, the 2026 clip is more than a teaser; it’s an education in the artistry of large-scale animated filmmaking. It spotlights the patience required to sculpt a character’s identity, the discipline of aligning performance with engineered movement, and the enduring appeal of a story that invites viewers to travel, reflect, and imagine anew. In bringing Maui to life once again, the production team demonstrates that successful reimaginings hinge on a respectful reverence for origin stories, paired with a bold readiness to expand them for today’s audiences.

As the final frames unfold, the collaboration between Catherine Lagaʻaia and Dwayne Johnson stands out as a master class in leadership, craft, and cultural stewardship. The clip leaves audiences with a sense of anticipation—not just for the cinematic moments to come, but for the continued conversations about how modern animation can honor heritage while celebrating invention.