Big news for Disney fans! The beloved animated movie "Moana" is getting a live-action remake, and Disney has just revealed who will play the adventurous Moana: 17-year-old Catherine Laga’aia from Sydney, Australia.
Catherine, who has Samoan roots, is thrilled about her new role. “Moana is one of my favorite characters, and I can’t wait to bring her to life,” she said. She also mentioned that her family comes from Samoa, and it’s amazing to represent Pacific Island people and young girls who look like me.
Joining Catherine in the cast is Dwayne Johnson, who returns as the fun and powerful demigod Maui. Other stars include John Tui from New Zealand as Moana’s dad, Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Moana’s mom, Sina, and Rena Owen as the wise Gramma Tala.
The movie will be directed by Thomas Kail, famous for his work on the Broadway hit "Hamilton." The live-action "Moana" will hit theaters on July 10, 2026, so mark your calendars!
This remake is different from "Moana 2," the animated sequel coming out this November, where Auliʻi Cravalho will once again voice Moana. With both a new adventure and a fresh take on the original story, Disney is making sure Moana fans have a lot to look forward to.
Stay tuned for more updates on the live-action of "Moana" as filming begins this summer, promising to bring the magic of the Pacific Islands to the big screen once again.