Disney chooses Catherine Laga’aia as the protagonist of the live-action MOANA

Disney has found its live-action Moanawith the 17-year-old Sydney, Australia, native Caterina Laga’aia. Disney also announced that Auckland, New Zealand Giovanni Tui will play Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams plays Moana’s playful, strong-willed mother, Sina; AND Rena Owenoriginally from Bay of Islands, New Zealand, he was cast as the revered Gramma Tala.

As previously announced, Dwayne Johnson will reprise the demigod Maui, a role made famous in the original 2016 film.

The live-action version of Moana is directed by Thomas Kailwho helmed Hamilton on Broadway and Disney+, Live fat and the first and last episodes of Hulu’s acclaimed limited series We were the lucky ones.

Kail said of the casting news:

“I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John during this casting process. I am honored by this opportunity and can’t wait to all be on set together. And there’s no better couple to canoodling with than Catherine and Dwayne, actually, trio: Heihei is ready too.

Laga’aia said of his role in the film:

“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites. My grandfather comes from Fa’aala, Palauli, in Savai’i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai, on the main island of ‘Upolu, Samoa. I am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples and to represent young girls who look like me.”

Live action Moana will be released in theaters on July 10, 2026. Vaiana 2, the animated sequel, will be released in theaters on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving this year.

Moana we’re shooting this summer.