The story is set on the secluded island of Motunui, where Moana, the daughter of Chief Tui, struggles to balance her responsibilities to her village with an irresistible pull toward the open ocean. When a sudden, dark blight begins killing the island’s crops and driving away fish, the prosperity of her people is deeply threatened. Guided by the wisdom of her revered Gramma Tala, Moana uncovers her ancestors' history as master voyagers.
Defying her father’s strict rules against sailing beyond the protective reef, Moana sets out into the vast blue ocean on a daring survival mission. Her objective is to find Maui, an enigmatic, egotistical, and exiled shapeshifting demigod. Maui’s reckless theft of the heart of Te Fiti—the life-giving mother goddess—originally unleashed the curse spreading across the sea.
Moana must convince a stubborn, weaponless Maui to join her cause. Together, they form an unlikely partnership, braving monstrous deep-sea adversaries, the fiery wrath of the lava demon Te Kā, and a horde of Kakamora coconut pirates. Through treacherous waters, Moana discovers her ultimate identity as a navigator, restoring balance to the world and healing the ancient bond between humanity and nature.
Cast and Crew Details
The production features a mix of fresh Polynesian talent and celebrated industry veterans:
Main Cast List
- Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana, the film's determined protagonist.
- Dwayne Johnson as Maui, the legendary trickster demigod.
- Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, Moana's beloved grandmother and spiritual anchor.
- John Tui as Chief Tui, Moana’s protective and traditionalist father.
- Frankie Adams as Sina, Moana’s strong-willed, supportive mother.
- Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa, voicing the giant, gold-obsessed coconut crab.
Creative Crew List
- Director: Thomas Kail, the Tony and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker known for directing Hamilton.
- Screenplay Writers: Jared Bush (co-writer of the original animated film) and Dana Ledoux Miller.
- Producers: Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Beau Flynn, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
- Executive Producers: Auliʻi Cravalho (the original animated voice of Moana), Scott Sheldon, and Charles Newirth.
- Music Composers: Features an orchestral score by Mark Mancina and an original new song, "Along The Way," penned by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
