Moana – Characters & Collectibles
There are now three different Moanas in merchandise. And the child knows exactly which one they want.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
Three Moanas – and it matters which
This is the most useful thing to know before buying, and it is a new problem.
Until last year there were two versions. From this year there are three, on the shelves at once:
In practice: ask which film they saw. A child who has just watched the live-action version may not want the animated figure at all.
The live-action film – released in July
Released on 10 July 2026
Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui – he voiced the character in both animated films. In the role of Moana is Catherine Laga'aia, eighteen years old, of Samoan heritage.
Two names behind the film tie the versions together: Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the songs for the first film, and Auli'i Cravalho – the original voice of Moana, who here serves as a producer.
Two things worth knowing: the film has an entirely new song written for it, and the home release is expected in September – so interest will rise again.
A detail for the curious: it is the shortest gap between a Disney animated film and its live-action version – under ten years.
Who is who
The lead – long curly hair, red and orange.
The demigod. Recognisable by his tattoos and the giant hook.
The witless chicken. And – improbably – he sells on his own.
The piglet – the most straightforwardly cute of the group.
Useful: if the child is very young, Heihei or Pua often work better than Moana herself – they are simple, round and funny.
Why it has lasted ten years
Moana stands apart from other Disney heroines for a reason parents often appreciate:
There is no romance. The film has no prince and does not end in a wedding.
The story is about a teenager who learns to navigate and takes on responsibility for her people. That is why it works equally well for girls and for boys.
And the second reason: Maui gives the series an action character with humour – which draws a different audience from Moana herself.
What to choose
- Moana dolls: the core category – check which film they are from.
- Maui figures: with the hook – they work as action toys too.
- Plush: Heihei and Pua, ideal for younger children.
- School gear: pencil cases, backpacks, water bottles.
- Apparel & gifts: t-shirts, pyjamas, mugs, posters.
The one question: "which film did they see?". With three versions on the market, it is the difference between the right gift and the wrong one.
See also Frozen, Disney Princess and Lilo & Stitch.
Frequently asked questions
- Why are there different Moanas in the merchandise?
- Because there are three films: the 2016 animation, the 2024 animation in which Moana is older, and the 2026 live-action version. Ask which one the child saw.
- When was the live-action film released?
- On 10 July 2026. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, with Catherine Laga'aia in the role of Moana. The home release is expected in September.
- What should I buy for a very young child?
- A Heihei (the chicken) or Pua (the piglet) plush – they are simple, round and funny, and often go down better than Moana herself.
- Is it only for girls?
- No. The film has no romance – it is about a voyage and a responsibility. And Maui is an action character with humour, who draws a different audience.
- What age is it for?
- It is a family film, suitable from around four. There are a few intense scenes with monsters, but nothing frightening for that age.
