Disney Cast Catherine Laga‘aia In Moana Live Action Remake

A few weeks ago Disney released the first trailer for Moana 2, today they give us an update on Moana live action remake.  Young actress Catherine Laga‘aia is set to play the films titular heroine in Thomas Kail‘s film.

The news of this film was announced just over a year ago in April 2023. It’s no surprise that Walt Disney Studios have announced an unknown actor in the lead role. This is not a negative  as the studio have used many little known actors in similar roles  propelling their careers.  Laga‘aia is a 17 year old actor from Sydney Australia of Samoan heritage.

“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favourites,” said the  actress. “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.”

Moana will bring to life in a whole new way the story of a young woman eager to pave her own path. Celebrating the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders in a spectacular adventure. Voyaging to Motunui and beyond as the adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people.

The rest of the cast includes Auckland, New Zealander John Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams portrays Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen, who hails from Bay of Islands, NZ, was cast as the revered Gramma Tala. Previously announced, Dwayne Johnson, who voiced larger-than-life demigod Maui in the 2016 animated version of the film, will reprise his role.

Moana is directed by Thomas Kail, who helmed Hamilton on Broadway and Disney+, Grease Live and the first and last episodes of Hulu’s lauded limited series We Were the Lucky Ones. Kail said , “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.”

Releasing in cinemas on 10th July 2026 with production set to start later this Summer.