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Catherine Laga’aia stars as Moana in Disney’s live-action remake of the original 2016 film.
photo: Photo by Alexei Hay.
Disney live-action Moana Star found: 17-year-old Australian actress Catherine Laga’aia will reprise her role as the demigod Maui in the highly anticipated film opposite Dwayne Johnson.
Laga’aia took over the role from Auli’i Cravalho, the voice actor in the original animated film. Cravalho also serves as an executive producer on the live-action remake.
“I am very happy to play this role because Moana is one of my favorites,” Laga’aia said in a statement.
“My grandfather was from Fa’ala in Palaui, Savai’i. My grandmother was from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of Upolu, Samoa. I am honoured to have the opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples and to represent young girls like myself.”
The new cast also includes a slew of New Zealand stars, including John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother, Sina; and Rena Owen as revered Grandma Tara.
The film will be directed by Thomas Kail, while Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the songs for the 2016 film, will serve as producer.
Johnson reprises his role as Maui, marking the first time an actor from a Disney animated film has played the same character in a live-action film.
Disney live-action Moana Expected to be released in July 2026.
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