Catherine Laga‘aia is set to embark on an adventurous journey to Motunui and beyond, portraying the spirited teenage protagonist in Disney's forthcoming live-action adaptation of "Moana." "I'm thrilled to step into this role as Moana has always held a special place in my heart," expressed the 17-year-old native of Sydney, Australia. "Being of Samoan descent myself, with family roots in Fa‘aala, Palauli, Savai‘i, and Leulumoega Tuai, ‘Upolu, I feel honored to represent the rich culture of Samoa and the wider Pacific Island community, and to inspire young girls who share my heritage."
Joining her in the cast is John Tui from Auckland, New Zealand, portraying Moana's stern yet caring father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams, a Samoan-New Zealander, taking on the role of Moana's spirited and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen, originally from Bay of Islands, NZ, cast as the esteemed Gramma Tala. Additionally, Dwayne Johnson is set to reprise his role as the charismatic demigod Maui, whom he voiced in the 2016 animated version of the film.
Scheduled for release on July 10, 2026, "Moana," directed by Thomas Kail of "Hamilton" fame, promises to reimagine the tale of a determined young woman charting her own course. Kail expressed his excitement about the cast, particularly highlighting the dynamic between Catherine, Dwayne, and the character Heihei. Production is slated to commence this summer, promising a spectacular cinematic experience that celebrates Pacific Island cultures and traditions.
The film is produced by Seven Bucks Productions (Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia) and FlynnPictureCo. (Beau Flynn), with Lin-Manuel Miranda serving as both a producer and the composer of the original songs. Executive producers include Scott Sheldon, Auli‘i Cravalho (the original voice of Moana), and Charles Newirth. Jared Bush, known for his work on Disney Animation, returns to pen the screenplay, alongside Dana Ledoux Miller, a Samoan writer with credits including Netflix's "Thai Cave Rescue" and co-founding the Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK).
Tags: moana, disney, catherine laga‘aia
