The New Live-Action 'Moana' Trailer Welcomes You to the Rock Disney’s latest reimagining of its animated hit Moana features Catherine Lagaʻaia as the titular character and Dwayne Johnson as Maui, with the film set to premiere in theaters on July 10. The trailer, released on March 23, 2026, appears to closely follow the original animated film’s storyline, including Johnson’s portrayal of Maui with his signature animated tattoos. The project is part of Disney’s ongoing trend of live-action remakes, following the success of Lilo & Stitch and the anticipated performance of Moana 2, the animated sequel that debuted in 2024 after transitioning from a Disney+ series to a theatrical release. The live-action adaptation retains key elements from the original, including the cultural and mythological backdrop of the island of Motunui. Lagaʻaia, who voices Moana in the animated films, takes on the role in this new version, while Johnson reprises his role as Maui, who voiced by him in the animated series. The film also includes a star-studded cast, with John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams as her mother, Sina; and Rena Owen as her grandmother, Tala. Auli’i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, serves as an executive producer for the project. Disney released a behind-the-scenes featurette titled “Artistry of Moana,” offering insights into the film’s production. The segment highlights director Thomas Kail’s vision, along with contributions from the costume designer, choreographer, and other key creatives. The film’s soundtrack includes original songs composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina, with Mancina also writing the original score.#disney #lin_manuel_miranda #catherine_lagaia #dwayne_johnson #thomas_kail
Chris Fleming’s HBO Special Blends Physical Comedy and Observational Humor Chris Fleming, the thirty-nine-year-old comedian known for his theatrical flair and androgynous presence, has made his debut on HBO with a special that marks a shift toward mainstream comedy while retaining his signature eccentricity. The show, his first for the network, aims to expand his audience beyond his cult following, which has long been drawn to his irreverent takes on gender norms and mundane routines. Fleming’s work has always leaned into the absurd, but his HBO special—titled Prances, Scuttles, and Undulates—offers a more accessible blend of observational humor and physical comedy, while still leaving room for the surreal. Fleming’s standup bit about Trader Joe’s, which has garnered over a million views on YouTube, has become a cultural touchstone among his female fans. In the piece, filmed at Los Angeles’s Dynasty Typewriter, he humorously contrasts the shopping habits of men and women, suggesting that women navigate the store like “witchy laboratories of gastronomic discovery,” guided by an almost mystical connection to the store’s ever-changing snack inventory. Men, he jokes, are drawn to the same blue-corn tortilla chips since pre-Obama, while women “swan dreamily” through aisles, “guided by their foremothers” toward the most obscure products. The bit’s success lies in its ability to resonate with women who feel both seen and honored by its playful generalizations, a rare feat in comedy that often sidelines feminine experiences. Fleming’s physicality on stage is as integral to his act as his words. He moves with a theatricality that blends glam-rock aesthetics with modern dance, often adopting exaggerated gestures to amplify his humor.#hbo #chris_fleming #trader_joes #dynasty_typewriter #lin_manuel_miranda
