Catherine Laga’aia Cast as Moana in Disney’s Live-Action Remake

Disney has found its next Moana in 17-year-old Australian actor Catherine Laga’aia for their live-action remake of the 2016 animated classic. This marks a major breakthrough role for Laga’aia, who hails from Sydney and has only one previous screen credit in The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart.

Dwayne Johnson to Reprise His Role

Fans will be delighted to know that Dwayne Johnson will return as the demigod Maui. Johnson’s connection to Polynesian culture, showcased through his bicep tattoos representing his Samoan heritage, makes his reprisal of the role significant. Johnson himself stated, I’m in this business to service the audience. That’s the No. 1 thing, reinforcing his commitment to the project.

Auli’i Cravalho Passes the Torch

Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original film, won’t reprise her role. Instead, she takes on an executive producer role, allowing another young actress to shine. Cravalho expressed how pivotal Moana was to her career and aims to share that joy with another budding talent.

Crafting a Rich Polynesian Experience

Laga’aia’s personal connection to Samoa and Pacific Island cultures brings authenticity to her portrayal. Expressing her enthusiasm, she stated, I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites. Director Thomas Kail also commented on Laga’aia’s selection by saying, I am thrilled to have met Catherine through this casting process.

Creative Team Behind the Magic

The live-action remake boasts a powerhouse team. Lin-Manuel Miranda returns alongside Opetaia Foa’I and Mark Mancina to recreate the film’s beloved soundtrack. The trio previously enchanted audiences with songs like “How Far I’ll Go”.

Anticipation Builds for the Live-Action Remake

Scheduled for release on July 10, 2025, this is not merely a retelling but an opportunity to dive deeper into the characters and their stories. With Dwayne Johnson’s personal ties to the material and Catherine Laga’aia’s fresh talent, Disney’s live-action Moana aims to captivate new and returning audiences alike.