Get ready to set sail on a new adventure, because Disney has found its live-action Moana. 17-year-old Catherine Laga’aia is ready to take the helm as the titular Polynesian princess, alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reprising his role as the demigod Maui.
This casting marks Laga’aia’s first major role, and she’s already making waves with her enthusiasm. “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” she shared in a statement. “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 isn’t the only fresh face joining the crew. The live-action adaptation also welcomes John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. With Thomas Kail, the mastermind behind the Broadway hit Hamilton, directing, this voyage is shaping up to be an unforgettable one.
Kail expressed his excitement, stating, “I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John through this casting process. I am humbled by this opportunity, and I cannot wait to all be on set together. And there’s no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne — actually, trio: Heihei is ready, too.”
While the live-action Moana won’t hit theaters until 10 July 2026, fans can look forward to Moana 2, the animated sequel, arriving on 27 November this year. It seems the spirit of Motunui is alive and well, both on the animated and live-action fronts.
Get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime, as Moana continues to inspire and enchant audiences of all ages.
