Disney has lifted the veil on a series of new images from the live-action “Vaiana,” just a few months before its scheduled release in July 2026. Following a teaser that sparked curiosity, these unreleased images confirm the scale of the adaptation and finally reveal what the studio has been cooking up.
What these new images really reveal
Gone is the mystery: these images show much more than the ocean and the heroine. We see Maui, portrayed by Dwayne Johnson, with his iconic tattoos and imposing appearance, as well as Pua the pig and Hei Hei the rooster, two beloved companions from the 2016 animated film. Vaiana’s family also makes an appearance, along with Catherine Laga’aia, the young actress lending her features to the Polynesian heroine. The visual universe, hinted at in the teaser, comes to life here: turquoise sea, lush settings, and brilliant luminosity.
These new images confirm one thing: Disney is not holding back. Every iconic element from the original film seems to have found its place in this live-action version, without sacrificing the aesthetic that left a mark on audiences over a decade ago.
Fidelity to the original, but with a new touch
Director Thomas Kail sees things simply: for him, this live-action is not a copy of the original film. In an interview with Allociné, he explains that it’s more of a complementary version, faithful to the story, characters, and iconic scenes, but designed to offer a different experience in live-action shots. In other words, the film will provide a new way to tell Vaiana’s story, with unreleased images and some adjustments to the plot. The screenplay was written by Dana Ledoux Miller and Jared Bush, already familiar with the universe. As for the music, there’s no surprise: Lin-Manuel Miranda is back. The songs you love will be there, even if they might bring some surprises.
When it comes to casting, the chemistry seems to be there. Dwayne Johnson is not just an actor, he is also a producer of the project. Catherine Laga’aia embodies a Vaiana that seems to have been a natural choice for the whole team. Stay tuned for July 2026 to discover if this live version lives up to its promises. In the meantime, these new images offer a reassuring glimpse: the spirit of “Vaiana” seems to be at the heart of this ambitious project.
Article written by an AI, reviewed, edited, and validated by a journalist from the editorial team.
Fact Check:
- July 2026 release date mentioned
- Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga’aia involved in the project
- Film adaptation of “Vaiana” by Disney’s live-action version is under discussion.
