Disney's live-action remake of the enchanting tale "Moana" has unveiled its captivating leading lady: Catherine Laga‘aia, a rising star who will share the screen with the renowned Dwayne Johnson, reprising his iconic role as the demigod Maui. The eagerly awaited film promises to be a visual treat.
"I'm thrilled to embrace this character as Moana holds a special place in my heart," expressed the 17-year-old Australian beauty from Sydney. "My roots trace back to Fa‘aala, Palauli in Savai‘i, and my grandmother hails from Leulumoega Tuai on the majestic main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. It's an honor to have the opportunity to celebrate the rich culture of Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who share my heritage."
Rounding out the star-studded cast are the talented Auckland native John Tui, portraying Moana's esteemed father, Chief Tui; the Samoan-New Zealand actor Frankie Adams, who will bring Moana's mother, Sina, to life; and the esteemed Rena Owen, hailing from the beautiful Bay of Islands in New Zealand, who will embody the revered Gramma Tala.
The announcement of this live-action adventure, which followed the revelation that Johnson would reprise his role and take on producer duties, sent excitement levels soaring last April.
"Moana" is set to embark on its journey to the big screen this summer, with a targeted release date of July 10, 2026. Under the direction of the visionary Thomas Kail, who has helmed groundbreaking productions like "Hamilton" on Broadway and Disney+, "Grease Live," and "We Were the Lucky Ones," this film promises to be a captivating tale that will transport audiences to the magical world of Oceania.
"Meeting Catherine, Rena, Frankie, and John through this casting process has been an absolute thrill for me," Kail exclaimed. "I am deeply honored by this opportunity and eagerly anticipate the day when we can all unite on the set. And who could ask for a better canoeing partner than Catherine and Dwayne? Oh, wait, it's a trio! Heihei is also ready to join the adventure."
Under the direction of Kail, the film takes shape from a screenplay penned by Jared Bush, the mastermind behind the 2016 hit "Moana," and Dana Ledoux Miller, a Samoan writer renowned for Netflix's "Thai Cave Rescue."
The production is helmed by Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia through their Seven Bucks Productions, along with Beau Flynn of FlynnPictureCo. Adding to the creative force is Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer of the original songs, who doubles as a producer.
Scott Sheldon of FlynnPictureCo., Auli'i Cravalho, the voice of Moana in the original film, and Charles Newirth round out the executive producer team. In her role as EP, Cravalho, who was a teenage sensation when she voiced Moana, will mentor the upcoming teenage Laga'aia. At the SAG Awards, she enthusiastically advocated for the expansion of the "Moana" universe, embracing both the upcoming live-action film and the animated sequel "Moana 2," slated for a theatrical release on November 27, where she reprises her iconic voice role.
"I adore the fact that Moana stands as a hero to all," Cravalho shared with Variety on the red carpet. "She redefined what it means to be a Disney princess. She's strong, brave, and dares to stand up against a demigod. It's heartwarming to know that more and more generations will be able to find a piece of themselves in this remarkable character."
