Moana Live-Action Remake: Alan Tudyk Confirms Heihei Recast for 2026

Disney’s live-action Moana is scheduled to sail into theaters on July 10, 2026, but the remake will not bring back every beloved voice from the animated original. In a recent interview with GoldDerby, Alan Tudyk confirmed that he will not return as Heihei, the scene-stealing rooster who won over audiences in 2016’s Moana and 2024’s Moana 2. “Heihei will be played by someone else,” Tudyk said, adding that a yet-to-be-revealed female performer will voice the character.

The news comes as Disney prepares to retell Moana’s story in live action for the third installment in the franchise. The project follows the same narrative as the 2016 animated film, which introduced Moana, Maui, Heihei, and the wider world of Motunui. It also arrives after Moana 2 became a global phenomenon, earning $1 billion worldwide and surpassing the first film’s box office total. That sequel featured Auli‘i Cravalho and Tudyk reprising their roles, with Dwayne Johnson also returning as Maui.

For the live-action remake, the casting mix is notably different. Johnson will reprise his role as the demigod Maui, making him the most prominent returning star from the animated films. Catherine Laga‘aia will portray Moana in her film debut. Auli‘i Cravalho, who originated the voice of Moana, will not appear as the character but will serve as an executive producer alongside Johnson. The supporting cast includes John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Owen.

Tudyk’s reaction to the recasting was playful rather than bitter. He joked, “Everybody calls Heihei a chicken, even though he's a rooster. So it's about time they got an actress to put a little more ‘chick’ in the chicken.” The actor also acknowledged Disney’s habit of keeping its animated films and live-action remakes distinct. “I do Disney animation,” he said, suggesting that the studio’s decision to cast someone new is consistent with its approach.

He also addressed the physical demands that might come with a live-action production. “I bet the new Heihei has to do [mo-cap],” Tudyk said, before adding, “I’m a no to doing motion-capture for animals.” His only prior live-action remake credit was a last-minute role as the voice of Jafar’s parrot, Iago, in 2019’s Aladdin. Apart from that exception, Tudyk has remained closely tied to Disney Animation, which helps explain why the studio would want a different performer for Heihei.

The recasting of Heihei is one of several ways the live-action Moana may set itself apart. Johnson’s return as Maui is a major exception, likely designed to keep a globally recognizable star attached to the lead role. But the decision to replace Tudyk with a female voice actor offers a fresh interpretation of the character. It also prevents the remake from feeling like a carbon copy of the animated version, even though it follows the same story.

With the release date approaching, anticipation continues to build. Moana 2’s billion-dollar success proved that the franchise still has enormous appeal, and the live-action remake is expected to draw both longtime fans and newcomers. The mystery surrounding Heihei’s new voice is now part of that excitement. Whoever lands the role will inherit a character beloved for his comic timing, blank stares, and unlikely heroism.

For now, Disney has not announced the actress who will voice Heihei. Fans will have to wait for further casting news before the film arrives in theaters on July 10, 2026. What is clear is that the live-action Moana will blend nostalgia with change. Johnson’s Maui will anchor the remake, Laga‘aia will introduce a new Moana, and a new performer will bring Heihei back to life. Whether audiences embrace these shifts will become clear when the film finally sets sail.