Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is finally over! Disney has unveiled the shining new star for its live-action adaptation of “Moana.” Stepping boldly into the role is 17-year-old Catherine Laga’aia from Sydney, Australia. This rising talent will be sharing the screen with none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who will be returning as the charming yet mighty demigod, Maui.
Fans of the animated classic will be thrilled to know that Heihei, the hilariously hapless chicken, will also be making a comeback. Speaking about her new role, Catherine expressed her excitement, stating, “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites. My background ties deeply with the Pacific Islands as my grandfather hails from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i, and my grandmother from Leulumoega Tuai in Samoa. It’s an honor to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples and to represent young girls who look like me.”
Set to begin filming this summer, the live-action “Moana” promises to be more than just a retelling of a beloved story. It’s set to be a vibrant celebration of Pacific Islander traditions, communities, and breathtaking landscapes, taking audiences on a spectacular adventure. What’s more, the movie will delve into the spirited journey of a young woman determined to carve out her own destiny.
Joining Catherine Laga’aia in the cast are some stellar talents. John Tuii from Auckland, New Zealand, is set to bring Chief Tui to life as Moana’s father. Frankie Adams will portray the role of Moana’s spirited mother, Sina, while Bay of Islands’ own Rena Owen will enchant us as Gramma Tala.
Produced by a power-packed team including Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions, and Beau Flynn through FlynnPictureCo., the film is poised for greatness. Not to forget, Auli’i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, will be stepping into the role of co-executive producer, adding a personal touch to this live-action masterpiece.
Mark your calendars, Disney fans! “Moana” is expected to hit theaters on July 10, 2026, and we can’t wait to see Catherine Laga’aia make waves!
Don’t miss out on any updates, and be sure to share your excitement in the comments below. What are you most looking forward to in the live-action “Moana”? Let’s get the conversation rolling! 🌊✨
(Content references original source: [Spectrum News](https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/news/2024/06/12/official-cast-of-live-action-film-released-for–moana-))
