The First Live-Action 'Moana' Set Leaks Have Me Dreaming Of A Hawaii Vacation

Chloe Williams​
Nov 22, 2024
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In the age of live action remakes, plenty of our favorite Disney Princesses have gotten the IRL treatment. Mulan, Ariel, and Jasmine's stories are all available to stream on Disney+ (plus the upcoming live Lilo & Stitch), and now, not only are we getting an animated Moana 2 this fall, but Disney is also giving us a live action remake of the 2016 movie.

Here's the latest news on the live-action Moana before we travel back to Motunui!

See The First Set Leaks From Moana! 

The first leaks from the live Moana show off Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Maui. While I was a little apprehensive about a live-action version of the movie, this actually makes me excited! It takes "embodying a role" to a whole new level.

And the set looks BEAUTIFUL. Considering they're filming in Hawaii, I'm not surprised.

When is the live-action Moana coming out?

Walt Disney Studios

Moana Release Date

Moana is currently scheduled for a July 10, 2026 release date. According to a Disney press release, the movie starts filming summer 2024.

Who is the actress who plays Moana?

Walt Disney Studios

Moana Cast

The live-action Moana will be played by Catherine Laga‘aia. “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” she says in a Disney press release. “My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”

Laga'aia stars alongside Dwane "The Rock" Johnson as Maui (who he also voiced in the animated film), John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as the revered Gramma Tala.

Even though original voice actress Auli‘i Cravalho isn't returning as Moana, she'll be executive producing the new Disney movie!

Will there be a live-action Moana?

Walt Disney Studios

Yes, we're getting a live-action Moana! The new movie will be directed by Thomas Kail (who did Hamilton on Broadway and Disney+ as well as We Were the Lucky Ones), with Dana Ledoux Miller and the original film's screenwriter Jared Bush penning this script.

Are you excited for the live-action Moana? This is going to be a perfect summer movie!

This post has been updated.

Michelle Randolph Teased We'll "Fill In Some Blanks" In The Dutton Family Tree Before '1923' Season Finale Ends

1923 season 2 premieres on Paramount+ February 23, and Michelle Randolph (who plays Elizabeth Dutton in the cast) is "so excited" for you to watch the new episodes — and she's been keeping up with all your fan theories!

"There are some crazy ones. I feel like the biggest fan theory thing is the family tree," she tells Brit + Co exclusively. "I've seen many different family trees and so it's like, 'OK, which one's accurate?' I actually drew my own at one point."

Here's what Michelle Randolph had to say about 1923 season 2, and the Dutton family tree, in Brit + Co's exclusive 1923 interview.

Michelle Randolph teases '1923' season 2 finally gives us answers to the Dutton family tree.

By the end of season 2, Michelle Randolph says "we might be able to fill in some blanks" in the Dutton family tree, which is a very hot topic for internet users! "I had to make my own [family tree] because all of the ones I saw on the internet were like — every single one was different. I was like 'I'm confused.'"

The Dutton family is made up of incredible cast members like Brandon Sklenar, Harrison Ford, and Helen Mirren, and Michelle reveals that the cast are just as close as their characters.

"There's a giant group chat called Giddy Up, which started during cowboy camp of season one," she says. "A cute little name, and I think I mean we all were on location in Montana and all in the same hotel, and we would get dinners after [filming], so I think even though our characters are very different and in different story lines like we all really did bond, which was really helpful to have each other throughout the chaos of of shooting a show."

The actress also says Elizabeth would connect with her 'Landman' character Ainsley.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

And if you're a tried and true Taylor Sheridan fan, you've probably picked up on the fact that Michelle isn't just in 1923 — she also has a starring role as Ainsley Norris in Landman! But would Elizabeth and Ainsley get along if they met in an alternate universe?

"That would be a fun thing to witness. I think they would," she says. "They're very different, but the similarities between them is they're both young women who are finding their place in this world and I think that they both actually look at the world through very bright eyes and have a lot of hope, which is an interesting correlation between the two of them. I think Elizabeth has gone through so much more than Ainsley obviously, so there might be a difference there, but I think they would get along."

Check out the 8 Compelling Historical Fiction Books For 1923 Lovers and read our interview with Julia Schlaepfer where she teases the Spencer and Alex's future.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. And this post has been updated.

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Matcha Lovers, Beware: A "Global Matcha Shortage” Is On The Way

Leaders in the matcha industry are predicting a matcha shortage this spring. Sparked by a huge surge in demand, it’s possible that your go-to drink could be affected.

Here’s everything you need to know about this season’s matcha shortage.

Nataliya Vaitkevich / PEXELS

Per The Japan Times, increased demand for matcha powder put an “unprecedented strain” on the tea industry last year, and the same effect is predicted to take place in 2025.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan saw a 185% increase in matcha production from 2010 to 2023 in order to keep up with demand from cafes and home baristas around the world, The Japan Timesreports.

Cup of Couple / PEXELS

Seeing that over half of Japan’s matcha is exported internationally, matcha lovers are looking toward the country for their green tea fix. Search interest for matcha has nearly quadrupled over the past 5 years, and it shows no sign of slowing down.

Olena Bohovyk / PEXELS

This year, mostly organic matcha strains will be affected by the shortage, though lower-grade varieties could face the same issues if consumers begin reaching for them in favor of organic offerings. While top-tier, organic strains like ceremonial-grade matcha are known for being sweeter and smoother, the lower-grade kinds like culinary-grade matcha are noticeably more bitter and don't have the same vibrant color.

Charlotte May / PEXELS

Matcha can only be harvested in the springtime, so though a shortage may be happening now, there’s hope for increased supply in the near future. This year’s harvest will start in April.

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

Even though production will ramp up, Jason Eng of Kametani Tea in Japan, a company that produces matcha for beverage companies around the world, says: “This year will be an interesting one. We haven’t hit a point yet where we’re going to run out, but it’s going to be really tight this autumn – not just for us but for everybody. The demand is off the charts.”

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Everything You Need To Know About The '1923' Season Finale After THAT Death

We're over halfway through 1923 season 2 and there is so much to talk about — like Cara getting attacked by a wolf in the middle of the night, Spencer getting roped into a plot to uncover a whiskey operation, and Alexandra getting stalked and attacked multiple times in her journey. Wow. There's one more episode before the 1923 finale on April 6, 2025.

Here's everything you need to know about how and when to watch the 1923 season 2 finale, airing on Paramount+ April 6, 2025.

Where can I watch the 1923 finale?

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

The 1923 season finale will air on April 6, 2025 on Paramount+. New episodes of 1923 season 2 air on Paramount+ Sunday at 12 AM EST, which means if you live on the west coast, you get new episodes on Saturday nights!

How many episodes of 1923 are there?

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

1923 season 2 premiered on February 23, 2025, and it's going to have 7 episodes total:

  • Season 2, Episode 1 "The Killing Season" premiered February 23, 2025
  • Season 2, Episode 2 "The Rapist Is Winter" premiered March 2, 2025
  • Season 2, Episode 3 "Wrap Thee in Terror" premiered March 9, 2025
  • Season 2, Episode 4 "Journey the Rivers of Iron" premiered March 16, 2025
  • Season 2, Episode 5 "Only Gunshots to Guide Us" premiered March 23, 2025
  • Season 2, Episode 6 "The Mountain Teeth of Monsters" premiered March 30, 2025
  • Season 2, Episode 7 "A Dream and a Memory" premieres April 6, 2025

Who's in the 1923 season 2 cast?

Christopher Saunders/Paramount+

There's a good chance you're familiar with Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford, but the whole 1923 cast in incredible!

  • Harrison Ford as Jacob Dutton: Dutton patriarch and a protector of the Yellowstone ranch.
  • Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton: a hardworking and kind woman who's Jacob's wife.
  • Brandon Sklenar as Spencer Dutton: Jacob and Cara's nephew who's making his way back to the ranch.
  • Julia Schlaepfer as Alex Dutton: Spencer's new wife, and a spunky and resourceful woman making her way to America on her own from England.
  • Michelle Randolph as Elizabeth Dutton: a kind yet determined young woman who's married to Jack.
  • Darren Mann as Jack Dutton: Jacob and Cara's great-nephew who lives with them on the Yellowstone ranch.
  • Aminah Nieves as Teonna Rainwater: an Indigenous young woman who's on the run after escaping a Catholic assimilation school.
  • Jennifer Carpenter as Marshal Mamie Fossett: a U.S. Marshal who crosses paths with Spencer on his journey.
  • Jerome Flynn as Banner Creighton: one of Jacob's sworn enemies dead set on taking the Duttons down.
  • Timothy Dalton as Donald Whitfield: a snaky businessman who has Jacob and the Duttons under his thumb.
  • Isabel May as Elsa Dutton: Spencer's sister from 1883 who serves as narrator.

What happened to Jack Dutton in 1923?

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

To everyone's shock, Jack Dutton died in 1923 season 2, episode 6, "The Mountain Teeth of Monsters." While Jacob and a couple men set off to meet Spencer at the train station, Jack was instructed to stay at the Yellowstone ranch to defend the house, as well as Cara and Elizabeth.

But when he chose to leave anyway, Jack was met with two of Whitfield's men, who shot and killed him. Actor Darren Mann admitted the death made him "angry, sad and frustrated," telling People that "There must've been four or five people who went down just right there in that one episode. Death everywhere."

Where did 1923 season 2 film?

Lo Smith/Paramount+

1923 season 2 filmed around Texas in 2024, and began filming in Austin on July 17 according to My San Antonio. Filming locations also included Lockhart and Bartlett, Texas.

How does 1923 connect to Yellowstone?

Lauren Smith/Paramount+

1923 is a Yellowstone prequel series from creator Taylor Sheridan (so is 1883!). The Duttons we see in 1923 are the ancestors of John Dutton III, Beth Dutton, Jamie Dutton, and Kayce Dutton.

Check Brit + Co for the latest TV news and subscribe to see our new podcast Yap City ahead of the 1923 season finale — you won't want to miss our 1923 season 2 ending explainer!

This post has been updated.

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Everyone's Convinced 'The White Lotus' Told Us The Killer In The Very First Episode

We're only one week away from The White Lotus finale — and finally answering the biggest question of all: who dies in The White Lotus season 3? Here's your official reminder that Mike White never passes up the opportunity for a death to be accidental & ironic (not to mention the character's fault), meaning we probably don't need to be looking for a murderer. And there's one White Lotus theory that suggests the killer's been in front of our faces the whole time: the poisonous pong pong fruit.

Here's a truly genius White Lotus theory about the season 3 finale, Saxon, and that poisonous fruit.

'The White Lotus' season 3 death will probably be another egomaniacal accident.

Theories are running rampant around who dies in The White Lotus season 3 finale — and who's responsible. But @popcultureari points out that, "In previous seasons we've seen how Mike White builds a ridiculous amount of tension between all the characters only to have the loose ends tied up with some ironic twist. And the main deaths aren't about killers lurking in the shadows, they're about people tripping over their own egos."

Remember when Tanya tripped in her heels, hit her head, and then drowned? "So in season 3, the body won't be from some shocking murder, it'll be from another self sabotage masterpiece," she continues. And the leading suspect? That poisonous fruit introduced in the first episode.

And it could cost the Ratliff family Saxon, Harper, and Lochlan.

More than one fan is wondering whether Jason Isaac's Timothy Ratliff will make a smoothie with the poisonous fruit to end his own life (since he doesn't have the gun anymore), and someone else will accidentally drink it. "There's a reason why they specifically mentioned the poison fruit so early on," one user says in the comments, while another points out how the camera always zooms into the blender.

But the most devastating take on this theory to me? That "I also do believe there will be 3 deaths because Chelsea keeps bringing up that bad things happen in 3s," another comment says. "3 siblings, 3 Russians, 3 friends."

More comments applaud @popcultureari for coming up with "such a good theory," but if Timothy makes the smoothie in The White Lotus season 3 finale, and then all three kids somehow end up dead, y'all will need to check on me!

What do you think about this White Lotus theory? Are you excited for the finale? Read up on The Most "Batsh—t" Yellowjackets Theory: "Everything Came Together" before the finale airs.

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6 Simple Things You Should Always Do Before Guests Arrive

I love hosting and making my guests feel at home. And living in a tourist destination (Sonoma wine country) means I get a lot of them — especially as the weather warms up. Over time, I’ve learned that creating a warm, welcoming space doesn’t have to mean stress or all-day prep. Guests only seem to notice a few key things, not whether you color-coded your bookshelf or spring cleaned your closets. Whether it’s a casual dinner party or an overnight stay, these simple steps make a big difference before guests arrive.

Here are six things you should always do before guests arrive.

Askar Abayev

Do a Quick Clutter Sweep

You don’t need to deep-clean — just focus on visible clutter. Clear off countertops, coffee tables, and entryways. Short on time? Just toss items into a basket and tuck them away in a closet.

Anna Shvets

Light a Candle Or Diffuse A Favorite Scent

Set the mood with a seasonal or favorite scent, like vanilla, amber, or something citrusy. It instantly makes your space feel warm and inviting. I like to put one in the guest bathroom too for a little surprise.

Have a little time? You can also simmer citrus and your favorite herbs on the stove.

You’ll Need:

  • Citrus slices like oranges, lemons, or limes
  • A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
  • 1–2 cinnamon sticks or whole cloves
  • A splash of vanilla extract

Steps:

  1. Slice your citrus thinly. Try a mix of orange and lemon for a bright, balanced scent.
  2. Fill a pot with water, about ¾ full.
  3. Add your ingredients to the water.
  4. Bring to a simmer over low heat. As the mixture warms, the scent will start to fill your space. (Keep an eye on the water level, and add more as it evaporates.)

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Prep the Bathroom

Nothing makes guests feel more "ick" than a dirty or messy bathroom so prioritize this space. Wipe down the sink and toilet, put out a fresh hand towel, and make sure there’s enough toilet paper.

taylor hernandez on Unsplash

Set the Mood with Music or Lighting

I make sure to switch off all the overheads (not a fan of this harsh lighting) and turn on table lamps for a cozy vibe. Then cue up a Spotify "dinner party" playlist that matches the energy — something mellow and upbeat is usually a safe bet.

Photo by Tatiana Syrikova

Add Thoughtful Touches

A long-distance friend of mine would always leave me a basket of toiletries for my overnight stays and it's something I always remember fondly. On their bedside table, you can leave them a pitcher of water, their favorite snacks, flowers or herbs, and/or a book or magazine. Little details make people feel instantly loved.

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Take the Garbage Out

Nothing ruins the party vibe like a smelly garbage can. Empty it before anyone arrives, and consider adding a fresh liner with a drop of essential oil or baking soda to keep things smelling fresh and clean.

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