Nearly a decade after the original introduced the fearless wayfinder who captured hearts around the world, the story is returning to the big screen with a new cast, breathtaking visuals and a deeper connection to the cultures that inspired it.
At the center of the adventure is Catherine Laga'aia, the 19-year-old Samoan Australian actress making her feature film debut as Moana, the daughter of a village chief determined to follow her own path.
Laga'aia said some of her favorite moments during the experience have been watching young fans connect with the character.
"I have so many," she said when asked if she has met children inspired by the film. "Some of my favorites were the young kids at the village. For them to get to see Moana, that's why we do it. That's why we make these movies, and that's why these live actions are so important. So little kids can see real faces on screen doing the things that they love, and they inspire them."
Of course, no voyage across the ocean would be complete without Maui.
Dwayne Johnson returns to the role he famously voiced in the animated film, this time bringing the larger-than-life demigod to life on screen. For Johnson, who is proudly Samoan, the project carries special meaning.
Asked about sharing the story with his family, Johnson reflected on seeing multiple generations together on set.
"That was Mama and my little girls," he said. "A lot of times when we create stuff and we create it in the sand, it gets washed away. I feel we have something here that we can etch in stone that will be remembered forever. Something here for my mom and my daughters, just generational. It's so cool to sit there on set and watch them."
Leading the film is "Hamilton" director Thomas Kail, who makes his feature-film directing debut with the project.
Aulii Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original animated film, has shifted behind the camera as an executive producer, helping guide the next chapter of the story.
For the cast and creative team, authenticity was a priority from the beginning. From the costumes and canoes to the choreography and production team, the goal was to honor Pacific Island cultures in every detail.
Johnson said bringing the story to live action created an opportunity to showcase that authenticity in a new way.
"Everything carries a different weight," he said. "Real flesh and blood, human beings, a soul behind the eyes. It's as real as us sitting here. It was the opportunity for us to showcase our culture in a real way."
Laga'aia praised the effort made by everyone involved to ensure the film stayed true to its cultural roots.
"From the costumes to the boat, to the props, to the PAs, to our incredible director and choreography team, everybody took their job so seriously in making sure that this was going to be as authentic and as genuine as it could be," she said. "I know and I have trust that this movie is incredible and that I can be proud of it."
With its sweeping adventure, familiar songs and commitment to authenticity, "Moana" aims to introduce a new generation to the story while giving longtime fans the chance to experience it in a whole new way.
"Moana" is rated PG and will be in theaters everywhere on Friday, July 10.
Disney is the parent company of this station.