Key Takeaways:
– Catherine Laga’aia, a 17-year-old Australian actress, has been cast as Moana for Disney’s live-action remake.
– Original Moana voice actress, Auli’i Cravalho, turned down the offer to reprise her role due to concerns over accurate representation.
– Moana’s production is set to start this summer and will be directed by Thomas Kail, renowned for his work on Broadway’s Hamilton and Grease Live.
– The film is slated for a July 10, 2026 release.
Moana Welcomes a New Face
The much-loved Disney’s Moana has a new champion – Catherine Laga’aia. Bestowing her first significant screen role, this 17-year-old Australian actress is geared up to lend life to the character in the live-action remake. Old fans and new are buzzing with anticipation and Laga’aia is ready to meet their expectations.
Joining her in this journey is none other than Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who breathes life into the account of demigod Maui, just as he did in the 2016 animated version. It’s a team fans are excited to see in action.
Catherine Celebrates Pacific Island Heritage
Catherine couldn’t contain her excitement when news of her casting came to light. Speaking with Variety, the actress revealed how her grandparents hail from Pacific Islands, enhancing her connection with the character. “I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me” she admitted in her statement. Sure sounds like the perfect fit for Moana, doesn’t it?
A Promising Director at the Helm
Elevating the excitement levels, Thomas Kail, an acclaimed figure in the world of Broadway and significant force behind the success of Hamilton and Grease Live, is set to direct the live-action remake. He’s as thrilled to work with Catherine and Dwayne as we are to watch them perform!
The Beautiful Past Arc: Auli’i Cravalho
Thoughts and curiosity about Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 animated version, had been rife amongst fans during the casting process. While she did not take up the offer to reprise her role, Auli’i had quite supportive words for the project. She emphasized on the need for accurate representation, which aligns with Disney’s casting decisions.
Meet Catherine Laga’aia
Born into a family of talented individuals, Catherine Laga’aia steps onto the big screen for the first time with Moana. Prior to this, her only professional acting stint was in Australia’s The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart in 2023. Her father, Jay Laga’aia, is known for his role as Captain Typho in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
Looking Ahead
With Moana, Disney continues focusing on providing accurate representation in its storytelling. The live-action remake of Moana, starring Catherine Laga’aia, is all set for its grand release on July 10, 2026. Make sure to mark your calendars, as this is one film you won’t want to miss!
