Disney’s live-action Moana has found its new leading lady: Catherine Laga’aia will star opposite Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as the demigod Maui, in the highly anticipated film.
I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,
said Laga’aia. 
Thomas Kail will direct the live-action remake. Kail is known for his work on Hamilton and Disney+’s Grease Live. He noted I am thrilled to have met Catherine through this casting process…There’s no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne—actually, trio: Heihei is ready, too.
Casting news extends beyond Lagaʻaia and Johnson. John Tui, a New Zealander, will play Moana’s practical father, Chief Tui. Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams takes on the lively role of Moana’s mother, Sina.
Dwayne Johnson, who also serves as a producer for the film, expressed his excitement by saying I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen.
The project is produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia (via their Seven Bucks Productions banner), along with Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo. Writing duties are helmed by Jared Bush, who scripted the original animated film, and Dana Ledoux Miller. Lin-Manuel Miranda will serve as a producer and Elizabeth Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 film, will be an executive producer mentoring Laga’aia.
The movie aims to start production this summer, eyeing a July 10, 2026 release date. Fans eagerly await not just for the nostalgia but also the representation it promises to deliver. With accomplished talents like Lin-Manuel Miranda joining as an executive producer and Jared Bush returning to write along with Dana Ledoux Miller shaping the backbone of this film, expectations are naturally high.
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