Moana (2026) is a musical, adventure, family film directed by Thomas Kail and written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. The film stars Catherine Laga’aia, Dwayne Johnson, John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen. This movie is a live-action remake of the popular 2016 animated film. Here’s everything you need to know about its filming locations and behind-the-scenes details.
The story follows Moana, a brave young girl who leaves her home island after hearing a call from the ocean. She travels across the sea with Maui to save her people and restore balance to nature.
The movie is set to release on July 10, 2026. It will be released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
Table of Contents
When and Where Was Walt Disney’s Moana (2026) Filmed?
| Film Name | Moana (2026) |
|---|---|
| Genres | Musical, Comedy, Adventure, Family, Action |
| Filming Locations | Hawaii (Oahu), Atlanta (Georgia), Polynesia |
| Filming Dates | July 29, 2024 – November 22, 2024 |
| Cinematography by | Óscar Faura |
| Release Date | July 10, 2026 |
The filming of Moana (2026) began on July 29, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia, under the working title “Canon.” The production later moved to Hawaii, where it wrapped on November 22, 2024.
The movie was first planned to start filming in June 2024 with the working title “Motorheads,” but it was delayed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
The cinematography was handled by Óscar Faura, who helped capture the film’s beautiful island visuals. The visual effects were supervised by Bill Westenhofer, ensuring the ocean and fantasy elements looked realistic.
During production, the team also considered using AI technology to recreate Dwayne Johnson’s face for some scenes, but this idea was later dropped to avoid controversy.
In post-production, the film was edited by Melanie Oliver, who helped shape the final version of the movie.
📍Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Many important scenes were filmed in Oahu, Hawaii. In this location, many ocean journey scenes and island life moments were filmed. Oahu was chosen because it closely matches the look and feel of the fictional island of Motunui shown in the story. The filmmakers used its beautiful beaches, clear blue water, and lush green mountains to create a realistic island world. This location became very important for the movie because it helped show Moana’s connection with the ocean and her home. The natural sunlight and real landscapes made the scenes look more magical and alive on screen.
📍Atlanta, Georgia, USA
This location was mainly used for indoor and studio filming. Many important scenes that required controlled lighting, large sets, and visual effects were shot here. A key filming spot was 460 Sandy Creek Rd, Fayetteville, Georgia, where big sets were built to recreate parts of the island and ocean environments. Although Atlanta is not a tropical place, it played a crucial role in the production by allowing the team to shoot complex scenes safely and efficiently. This helped the filmmakers bring fantasy elements to life with better control and detail.
📍Polynesia (On Location)
Scenes from the cultural and traditional parts of the story were filmed in real Polynesian locations. In this place, scenes showing grass huts (traditional homes), dance performances, and natural landscapes were filmed. These moments helped show the real lifestyle and traditions of Polynesian people.
The filmmakers selected this location because of its rich culture, beautiful nature, and authentic village settings. The green surroundings, open beaches, and traditional houses gave the movie a natural and peaceful look. This location became very special in the film because it showed Moana’s roots, her culture, and her strong connection to her people and nature.
Moana Behind the Scenes
To make your search for Moana (2026) filming more interesting, the cast and crew shared many behind-the-scenes moments during production.
The actors, especially Dwayne Johnson, talked about how important this story is to Polynesian culture. The team worked hard to keep the film respectful and visually beautiful.
For more updates and behind-the-scenes content, stay tuned. More details may be added soon.
Is there any trailer available for Moana (2026)?
Yes, the official trailer for Moana (2026) was released on YouTube. You can watch it here:-
Moana Live-Action Movie is set to be released on July 10, 2026, by Walt Disney Studios.
FAQs
Q1: Where was Moana (2026) filmed?
A1: Moana (2026) was filmed in Oahu (Hawaii), Atlanta (Georgia), and Polynesia to capture both real island beauty and studio scenes.
Q2: What scenes were filmed in Hawaii in Moana (2026)?
A2: Many ocean and island scenes in Moana (2026) were filmed in Hawaii because of its natural beauty and similarity to the story setting.
Q3: When did the filming for Moana (2026) begin?
A3: Filming for Moana (2026) began in July 2024 and ended in November 2024.
Q4: Can I visit the filming locations of Moana (2026)?
A4: Yes, many locations like Oahu in Hawaii and parts of Polynesia can be visited. Some studio locations in Atlanta may not be open to the public.
This guide covers the main filming locations and details of Moana (2026). From the beautiful beaches of Hawaii to studio sets in Atlanta, every location helped create this magical story. Keep checking for more updates about your favorite movies and their filming spots!
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