It’s official, Catherine Laga’aia will soon set sail with Dwayne Johnson in the upcoming ‘Moana‘ live-action adaptation.
Disney announced on Thursday that Catherine will take on the titular role of Moana, opposite Dwayne, who will reprise his voice role as Maui. The 17-year-old actress shared her excitement in a statement that read, “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favourites.My grandfather comes from Fa’aala, Palauli, in Savai’i, and my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
Disney announced on Thursday that Catherine will take on the titular role of Moana, opposite Dwayne, who will reprise his voice role as Maui. The 17-year-old actress shared her excitement in a statement that read, “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favourites.My grandfather comes from Fa’aala, Palauli, in Savai’i, and my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
Joining Catherine on this adventure will be John Tui, who will take on the role of Moana’s father, Chief Tui. Frankie Adams will portray Moana’s strong-willed mother, Sina, while Rena Owen, acclaimed for her role in “Siren,” will take on the role of Moana’s grandmother, Gramma Tala.
The live-action adaptation aims to “celebrate the islands, communities, and traditions of Pacific Islanders in a spectacular adventure.”
Directed by Thomas Kail of ‘Hamilton’ fame, the movie will have Dwayne joining Auli’i Cravalho to serve as executive producers. Production is set to begin this summer, with the release date slated for July 10, 2026.