Disney has released an official behind-the-scenes featurette titled “Along The Way” for the upcoming live-action remake of Moana [1].
The clip provides a rare glimpse into the collaborative process of adapting a beloved animated musical for a physical set. It highlights the effort to maintain the spirit of the original while introducing new elements to the narrative.
The featurette showcases Catherine Lagaʻaia and Dwayne Johnson working together on a new original song titled “Along The Way” [1]. The production also involves Auliʻi Cravalho, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and director Thomas Kail [1]. The footage highlights the creative synergy between the original voice talent and the new live-action cast, a bridge between the two versions of the story.
Filming for the production took place in Auckland, New Zealand [1]. The footage shows the actors and crew navigating the physical demands of the environment while recording the musical numbers. The project seeks to translate the vibrant colors and oceanic scale of the animated film into a tangible reality.
This promotional push comes as the studio prepares for the film's theatrical debut. The live-action Moana is scheduled to open in theaters on July 10, 2026 [1].
The “Along The Way” featurette serves as a primary tool to build anticipation for the remake. By focusing on the music, Disney emphasizes the continuity of the franchise's sonic identity while introducing Lagaʻaia as the new face of the title character.
“The live-action Moana is scheduled to open in theaters on July 10, 2026.”
Disney's decision to involve original cast members like Auliʻi Cravalho in the live-action transition suggests a strategy to mitigate fan backlash over recasting. By centering the marketing on the creative process and the music, the studio is attempting to frame the remake as an evolution of the original story rather than a mere replacement.
