A captivating teaser for the live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated gem, Moana, has just been unleashed, inviting fans on a thrilling new journey into the heart of this Polynesian tale. The new face behind the titular role is Catherine Laga'aia, an 18-year-old actress from Sydney, Australia, who brings her unique charm and spirit to the role.
Moana's story follows an adventurous Polynesian girl who embarks on a perilous voyage across the vast ocean to save her island by restoring the heart of a powerful goddess. The teaser showcases Laga'aia as Moana, as she serenades with "How Far I’ll Go," a song originally sung by Auli'i Cravalho, the voice of the animated Moana.
In a statement to the press, Laga'aia shared her excitement for this role, which she considers one of her all-time favorites. "My grandfather comes from Fa'aala, Palauli, in Savai'i," she shared, referring to her roots in Samoa. "And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of 'Upolu in Samoa. I'm honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me."
Dwayne Johnson, who is reprising his role as the demigod Maui and producing the project, is of Samoan heritage and shared with the Hollywood Reporter how important it was for him to represent his people onscreen. Prior to landing the role of Moana at just 17, Laga'aia appeared in three episodes of the Prime Video series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart as "Young Candy." Her father, Jay Laga'aia, is also in the entertainment industry, having appeared in Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones and Episode III — Revenge of the Sith as Captain Typho, as well as shows like The Wiggles and Home and Away. He also created and starred in the preschool series Jay’s Jungle, which ran from 2015 to 2018.
Cravalho, who is executive producing the live-action film and returned for Moana 2 in 2024, shared in a May 2023 Instagram video why she would not be reprising the role of Moana. "When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career," she said. "I believe it is absolutely vital that the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell, so as an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit, and emotional strength."
The live-action Moana will hit theaters on July 10, 2026, bringing this epic tale to life once again for audiences around the world.
