Disney has cast Catherine Laga’aia as Moana in the upcoming live-action rendition of the Disney animated film, set to release on July 10, 2026. “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” Laga’aia said to Deadline. “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.”
Alongside this announcement, Disney has also announced John Tui will play Moana’s father, Frankie Adams will play her Mother, and Rena Owen will be cast as the carefree and wise Grandma Tala. This cast joins Dwayne Johnson, previously announced, who will be reprising his role as Maui.
Thomas Kail, who led projects like Hamilton on Broadway and Disney+, Grease Live, and the first and final episodes of the Hulu limited services We Were the Lucky Ones, will be directing this live-action remake according to Deadline. “I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie, and John through this casting process. I am humbled by this opportunity, and I cannot wait to all be on set together. And there’s no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne — actually, trio: Heihei is ready, too.”
Moana is set to begin filming this summer.
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