Disney’s live-action remake machine has produced some of the biggest box office numbers of the past decade — and the studio is clearly betting that Moana can continue that trend. The live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated hit is set to release in cinemas on July 10, 2026, and the production scale behind it is genuinely significant.
While Disney has not officially confirmed the budget or individual cast salaries, industry reports and tracking sources point to a production investment that sits well above the $200 million mark — with some estimates pushing toward $250 million. That makes it one of the more expensive live-action remakes Disney has attempted.
The reason for the high cost is not hard to understand. The original Moana featured a living, expressive ocean as a central character. Recreating that in live-action using CGI at a convincing quality level is enormously expensive. Add to that the intricate production design required to build the Polynesian world authentically, location shoots, and the kind of technical crew a film of this ambition demands, and the budget figure starts to make sense.
Moana Cast Salary
| Actor | Character | Estimated Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dwayne Johnson | Maui | $20–$25 million |
| Catherine Laga’aia | Moana | Undisclosed |
| John Tui | Chief Tui | Undisclosed |
| Frankie Adams | Sina | Undisclosed |
| Rena Owen | Gramma Tala | Undisclosed |
Catherine Laga’aia takes on the lead role of Moana — a significant debut for the young New Zealand actress who was chosen through an extensive casting process. Her salary has not been disclosed, but given that this is her breakout film debut in a major Disney production, she is unlikely to be in the same financial bracket as her more established co-stars.
Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, the shape-shifting demigod he voiced in the original animated film. Johnson is one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, with reported fees on major studio productions consistently in the range of $20 to $25 million or higher. His specific deal for Moana has not been confirmed, but his track record with Disney and the scale of this production make a top-tier multi-million dollar paycheck essentially certain.
The supporting cast — John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen — brings genuine Pacific Island heritage to the project, which was a deliberate casting priority. Their individual deals have not been made public.
Dwayne Johnson’s Salary
Dwayne Johnson is expected to earn approximately $21 million for his role as Maui in the live-action Moana. This aligns with his status as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, with typical fees on major studio productions ranging from $20–$25 million or more.
However, Johnson may also negotiate back-end points (profit participation) instead of just a flat fee. Industry speculation suggests he could earn 3–9% of the gross revenue, potentially worth $19–$57 million if the film matches the 2016 animated version’s success. Additionally, he may receive a few million more for his producing role on the project.
Catherine Laga’aia’s Salary
Catherine Laga’aia, the young New Zealand actress cast as Moana, is in her breakout film debut in a major Disney production. Her exact salary has not been disclosed, but given her newcomer status, she is likely in a lower financial bracket compared to established co-stars like Dwayne Johnson.
Experience from Disney’s casting of young actors in similar roles suggests debutantes typically earn $100,000–$500,000 for lead roles in major productions, though this is speculative for Moana.
Supporting Cast Salaries
The supporting cast—John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen—brings genuine Pacific Island heritage to the project, reflecting Disney’s casting priority for representation. Their individual deals have not been made public, but supporting roles in $200+ million budget films typically range from $500,000–$2 million each.
Moana Movie Budget
The live-action Moana has an estimated production budget of $200–$250 million, making it one of Disney’s most expensive live-action remakes. Johnson’s $21 million salary represents roughly 8–10% of the total production budget, which is standard for A-list leads in blockbuster films.
Dwayne Johnson is the only confirmed high-paid cast member at $21 million, while Catherine Laga’aia and the supporting cast salaries remain undisclosed but are expected to be significantly lower given their newcomer/supporting status.
The Box Office Question
Pre-sale tracking for the film has reportedly been below expectations at certain points during its promotional run, which has raised some questions within the industry about how the film will open. That said, Disney’s live-action remakes have a habit of outperforming early tracking once the marketing machine reaches full speed and family audiences actually make cinema plans.
With a $200 million-plus production budget, the film will need to perform strongly to turn a genuine profit when marketing and distribution costs are factored in. Industry analysts typically estimate that a film needs to earn roughly two to two and a half times its production budget globally to reach profitability.
Also Read: Toy Story 5 Voice Cast Fees and Movie Budget
Moana arrives in cinemas on July 10, 2026. For Disney, it is both a nostalgic franchise opportunity and a financial high-wire act. For audiences, it is the chance to see one of the studio’s most beloved animated films reimagined at scale — living ocean and all.