Meet Your New Moana: Catherine Laga‘aia
The single casting choice causing the biggest stir isn't a household name—and that's exactly the point. The actor set to be Googled most is Catherine Laga‘aia, the 19-year-old Australian actress cast in the title role of Moana. While Dwayne 'The Rock'
Johnson’s return as the demigod Maui was announced early and celebrated, he's one of the most famous people on earth. Laga‘aia, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer, making her feature film debut in one of Disney's most beloved modern roles. Her casting was officially announced in June 2024, immediately sparking curiosity about the fresh face chosen to bring the spirited wayfinder to life on the big screen. When a franchise this big introduces a new star, the world wants to know who they are.
From Sydney to Motunui
So, who is Catherine Laga‘aia? Born in Sydney, Australia, the young actress has performance in her blood. She is the daughter of Jay Laga'aia, a New Zealand-Australian actor known for roles in projects like 'Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones' and 'Xena: Warrior Princess'. Despite her family ties to the industry, Catherine is just starting her career. Her most notable credit before landing this massive role was in the 2023 Prime Video miniseries 'The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart'. Her casting is significant not just for her career, but for the film's commitment to authentic representation. Laga‘aia is of Samoan heritage, with grandparents from the islands of Savai‘i and ‘Upolu in Samoa. In a statement, she expressed her excitement to "celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me."
A Blessing From the Original Moana
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this casting story is the ceremonial passing of the torch. Auliʻi Cravalho, who brilliantly voiced Moana in the 2016 animated classic, made it clear early on that she would not be reprising the role in live-action. Now in her 20s, Cravalho stated that she believed it was "absolutely vital that the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell." Instead of stepping away entirely, Cravalho is serving as an executive producer on the film. She has framed her involvement as a way to "help find the next actress to portray Moana's courageous spirit" and has enthusiastically supported Laga'aia's casting, referring to it as passing the baton to the next generation of Pacific Island talent.
Rounding Out the Canoe Crew
While Laga'aia is the fresh face at the center of the story, she's surrounded by a talented cast of actors, many of whom also hail from New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Alongside her and Dwayne Johnson is John Tui, who will play Moana's stern but loving father, Chief Tui. Frankie Adams portrays her supportive mother, Sina, and Rena Owen has been cast as the wise and eccentric Gramma Tala. The film is being helmed by Thomas Kail, the celebrated director behind the Broadway smash 'Hamilton'. This combination of a beloved, established star in Johnson, a powerful creative team, and a cast rooted in the culture the film represents sets the stage for Laga'aia's breakout performance.
