"Movie Surfers" Rides Again with a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Disney's Live-Action "Moana"
Disney revived its Movie Surfers series with a new episode on the live-action "Moana," as host Michelle Khare strolls Oahu with Dwayne Johnson, road-trips with Moana star Catherine Lagaʻaia, and takes a hula lesson from choreographer Tiana Liufau. The Thomas Kail-directed film opens exclusively in theaters July 10, 2026.
Disney's Movie Surfers are back on the board. The revived behind-the-scenes series released a new episode diving into the live-action "Moana," sending host Michelle Khare to Oahu alongside Dwayne Johnson and star Catherine Lagaʻaia ahead of the film's exclusive theatrical debut on July 10, 2026.
Key Details
- Episode: Movie Surfers — Behind the Scenes of Moana, on Disney's official YouTube channel
- Host: Michelle Khare
- Featuring: Dwayne Johnson (Maui), Catherine Lagaʻaia (Moana), and choreographer Tiana Liufau
- Film Opens: Exclusively in theaters July 10, 2026 — tickets are on sale now
- Director: Thomas Kail, with original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina
- Series Roots: Movie Surfers originally aired on Disney Channel starting in 1998
Beach Walks, Road Trips, and a Hula Lesson
The episode is built around three stops. First, a stroll down the beaches of Oahu with Dwayne Johnson, who breaks down what it means to bring his character of Maui — the shape-shifting demigod he originally voiced in the animated film — to life in live action.
From there, Michelle Khare hops in the car for a road trip with Catherine Lagaʻaia, the young actress playing Moana. The two unpack what it was like to step into the shoes of such a storied character, and Lagaʻaia takes a ride on Maui's boat. The episode closes with the movie's choreographer, Tiana Liufau, giving the Surfers a lesson in hula.
A Disney Channel Staple, Rebooted for YouTube
"Movie Surfers" originally aired on Disney Channel beginning in 1998, giving a generation of fans short-form access to the making of Disney's biggest movies. Disney has now brought the format back — this time on YouTube — with exclusive interviews, red carpet coverage, and set tours, promising fans the series is "catching all new waves." Recent episodes in the revival have gone behind the scenes of Disney and Pixar's "Hoppers" and Lucasfilm's "The Mandalorian & Grogu," with Khare fronting the series.
About the Live-Action Moana
In "Moana," Disney's live-action reimagining of the beloved animated film, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) journeys beyond her island with the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) to restore prosperity to her people. Thomas Kail directs, and the film features original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina. It opens exclusively in theaters on July 10, 2026, with tickets already on sale.
Why This Matters
Reviving a late-'90s Disney Channel staple as a YouTube series is a savvy nostalgia play — and the Moana episode gives fans genuinely new material, from Johnson on Oahu to Lagaʻaia aboard Maui's boat, rather than recycled junket clips. With the film's release only days away, it is the most personal look yet at how the new Moana and Maui found their footing. The full episode is embedded above, and "Moana" sails into theaters July 10.