There are some stories that become part of who we are. For me, Moana has always been one of them.
Growing up on an island, surrounded by family, traditions, and the sea, I connected with Moana long before I ever realized just how much its message would stay with me. It’s a story about finding your voice, honoring where you come from, and having the courage to follow your own path without losing sight of the people who helped shape you. Those themes have only become more meaningful as the years have gone by.
So walking into Disney’s live-action Moana, I carried both excitement and a little nervousnes. Like so many fans, I wondered how a film that has meant so much to me could be reimagined. Thankfully, I left the theater with a full heart, and a very empty tissue supply. My husband, Sebastian, deserves an award for Best Prepared Movie Companion. Somehow, he knew exactly when another emotional moment or familiar song was coming. Every few minutes, another tissue quietly appeared in my hand, usually accompanied by a smile that said, “I knew this one was going to get you.” He wasn’t wrong.
Disney’s live-action adaptation doesn’t try to replace the animated classic that so many of us love. Instead, it embraces the spirit of the original while allowing the story to stand on its own. It feels both familiar and refreshingly new, honoring the heart of the journey while inviting audiences to experience it through a different lens.
Newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia brings warmth, determination, and sincerity to Moana, capturing the character’s courage while making the role her own. Dwayne Johnson comfortably returns as Maui, bringing back the humor, larger-than-life personality, and heart that made the demigod such a memorable character the first time around. Directed by Thomas Kail, the film delivers sweeping visuals that celebrate the beauty of the Pacific while reminding audiences why the ocean has always been more than a setting—it’s a character all its own. The breathtaking landscapes, practical adventure, and stunning cinematography create a cinematic experience that feels right at home on the big screen.
And then there are the songs. Anyone who knows me already knows this was never going to end well. The music once again becomes the emotional heartbeat of the film. Featuring songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina, with a beautiful score by Mancina, the soundtrack carries the same sense of hope, courage, and wonder that made the original unforgettable. Hearing those familiar melodies return in a new way reminded me why they continue to resonate with audiences around the world. Without giving anything away, longtime fans will recognize many of the moments they treasure while also discovering fresh touches that make this adaptation feel worthwhile rather than simply familiar. That’s exactly what I hoped for.
As someone who has loved Moana since the very beginning, I appreciated that this version understands adaptations don’t have to be identical to be meaningful. The animated film will always hold a special place in my heart, but this live-action journey finds its own rhythm while preserving the themes that made the original so beloved: courage, family, identity, community, and believing that the call inside your heart is worth following.
Walking out of the theater with Sebastian and some of our closest friends, I found myself smiling through the last few tears. That’s the magic of stories like Moana. They remind us where we’ve been, encourage us to embrace where we’re going, and somehow make us feel at home no matter how far we travel. For this island girl from Puerto Rico, that message will never stop resonating.
If You Go: Disney’s Moana opens exclusively in theaters on July 10, 2026. Whether you’re revisiting Motunui for the first time in years or introducing the story to a new generation, expect breathtaking visuals, memorable performances, beloved songs, and a heartfelt adventure that celebrates courage, family, and finding your way home.
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