Disney has announced that Catherine Laga‘aia, a 17-year-old Australian of Samoan heritage, will star as Moana in the upcoming live-action adaptation of the beloved animated film. Scheduled to commence filming this summer, the movie aims to celebrate the culture, traditions, and landscapes of Pacific Islanders through an exhilarating adventure.
Laga‘aia, whose father is noted actor Jay Laga‘aia, has previously appeared in the TV series “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart.” She expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites.” Highlighting her family roots, she added, “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.”
Dwayne Johnson, who voiced Maui in the original animated feature and serves as a producer for the live-action film, shared in the excitement, emphasizing the cultural significance of Moana’s narrative. Joining Johnson in producing is Lin-Manuel Miranda, known for his work on the musical “Hamilton” and the original movie’s soundtrack.
Directed by Thomas Kail, known for his work on “Hamilton” on Broadway and Disney+, the movie also features a talented cast including New Zealand actor John Tui as Moana’s father, Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams as her mother, and Rena Owen as the storyteller Gramma Tala.
Anticipation for the film is high following the success of the animated “Moana,” which grossed over $680 million worldwide and was the most-streamed movie of 2023. The live-action adaptation is slated for release in July 2026, promising to captivate audiences with its rich cultural storytelling and immersive visuals.
Disney continues to reimagine its animated classics into live-action spectacles, with “Moana” poised to join the ranks of successful adaptations such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “The Lion King,” and “The Little Mermaid.”
