The 17-year-old actress will take on the iconic role of Moana in the live-action adaptation of the Disney film.
Disney has announced the casting of 17-year-old Catherine Laga’aia in the lead role of Moana for its upcoming live-action adaptation. Laga’aia, a talented actress from Sydney, Australia, expressed her excitement about playing the character, which holds personal significance for her. “Moana is one of my favorites, and I’m thrilled to bring this role to life,” she said. Laga’aia, who hails from a Samoan heritage, shared that she is honored to represent young girls who look like her, while celebrating Samoa and Pacific Island cultures.
Laga’aia will star opposite Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as Maui, the demigod. The star-studded cast also includes John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother, Sina, and Rena Owen as the wise Gramma Tala. The film, which was first announced in April, is set to begin production this summer with a targeted release date of July 10, 2026. The film will be directed by Thomas Kail, known for his work in theater, who expressed his excitement about the diverse and talented cast.
Director Thomas Kail praised the cast selection, particularly the dynamic between Laga’aia and Johnson. He also joked about their canoe scene, noting that Heihei, the comedic rooster from the animated version, would be part of the adventure as well. The screenplay for the live-action adaptation is written by Jared Bush, who penned the original “Moana” film, alongside Dana Ledoux Miller, a Samoan writer who co-founded Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti.
The project is produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia under their Seven Bucks Productions banner, alongside Beau Flynn from FlynnPictureCo. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the original songs for “Moana,” will also produce the live-action version. Fans of the original movie can look forward to an exciting mix of new talent and returning favorites when the live-action adaptation is released in 2026.
