Last year, Disney made a surprising announcement that their oceanic animated musical Moana would be developed into a live-action film. It would celebrate the islands, communities, and traditions of Pacific Islanders as seen through the eyes of a young woman eager to chart her own path by sailing the ocean.
Now, the film has found it’s titular lead in Catherine Laga‘aia 17-year-old Sydney, Australia, native who is just as eager to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like her.
News of the casting comes to us from a press release sent out by Disney. The announcement also came with other casting news. Auckland, New Zealander John Tui plays Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui. He will be joined by Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams who will portrays Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina. And Rena Owens, who hails from Bay of Islands, NZ, was cast as the revered Gramma Tala. Dwayne Johnson, who is also an executive producer and voiced larger-than-life demigod Maui in the 2016 animated version of the film, reprises his role.
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” said Laga‘aia. “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.”
Thomas Kail (Hamilton) helms the live-action reimagining. “We were the lucky ones,” said Kail, “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.” No word yet if Alan Tudyk will reprise his role as the almost drumstick snack.
The animated original told the story of Moana, an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people from an island that is slowly decaying. While on her journey, she meets the legendary Maui, a demi-god who helps her become a master wayfinder she was destined to be.
Production for the live-action Moana is set to begin this summer, and is scheduled to open in theaters on July 10, 2026.