The Next Great Wayfinder
Disney has officially found its live-action Moana. Catherine Laga'aia, a 19-year-old Australian actress, will star as the spirited teenager in the upcoming adaptation, set to sail into theaters on July 10, 2026. The announcement places Laga'aia opposite
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who is reprising his role as the charismatic demigod Maui. For Laga'aia, this marks her feature film debut, a monumental step that places her at the center of one of Disney's most anticipated projects. The casting has been met with excitement, as fans eagerly await a new interpretation of the character who captured hearts worldwide in 2016.
An Actress with Deep Roots
So, who is Catherine Laga'aia? Born in Sydney, Australia, she has a background that feels destined for this role. She is the daughter of Jay Laga'aia, a well-known New Zealand-Australian actor and singer with notable roles, including Captain Typho in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. This connection to the entertainment world runs deep in her family. More importantly, Laga'aia shares a profound connection to the culture her character represents. Her family has strong Samoan roots, with her grandfather hailing from Fa'aala, Palauli, in Savai'i, and her grandmother from Leulumoega Tuai on the island of 'Upolu. This heritage gives her casting an authentic and personal resonance.
A Personal Connection to Moana
Laga'aia's connection to Moana began long before she was cast. She was just a child when the original animated film was released, and seeing a powerful heroine who looked like her and represented her heritage made a lasting impact. In a statement, she expressed her excitement and gratitude, saying, "I'm honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me." It's a sentiment that speaks to the cultural significance of the original film and the responsibility she feels in taking on the role. Director Thomas Kail noted he was impressed from her very first audition tape, which she sent in at age 16, saying she had an innate quality that couldn't be taught.
The Torch is Passed
The original voice of Moana, Auliʻi Cravalho, has been a vocal supporter of the new casting. Cravalho, who was just 14 when she was cast, announced in 2023 that she would not be reprising her role in the live-action film. Instead, she chose to step into an executive producer role, explaining that she believed it was "absolutely vital that the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell." She expressed her desire to "pass the baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent." Cravalho has been full of praise for her successor, calling Laga'aia "stunning and beautiful" and saying she cannot wait for audiences to see her interpretation of the character.
Setting Sail for a New Adventure
With its lead cast in place, the live-action Moana is charting a course for its 2026 release. Laga'aia joins a cast of talented actors with New Zealand and Samoan heritage, including John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Moana's mother, Sina, and Rena Owen as the wise Gramma Tala. With Dwayne Johnson's star power as Maui and producer, Lin-Manuel Miranda also involved in production, and the blessing of the original Moana, the film is set up for success. Laga'aia's casting is more than just filling a role; it's a continuation of a legacy, ensuring the story of the fearless navigator from Motunui is told with authenticity, heart, and a fresh perspective.
