Hold onto your hats, Disney fans! There’s a swell of excitement coming your way as Disney unveils the star-studded cast for the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of “Moana.” Mark your calendars for July 10, 2026, because that’s when this spectacular oceanic adventure will wash up on the big screen!
Taking the helm as the brave and spirited Moana is Sydney’s own Catherine Laga‘aia. The 17-year-old actress could hardly contain her excitement, sharing, “I’m truly honored to bring Moana to life, especially since it’s a character I’ve always loved. With roots in Samoa, I’m thrilled to celebrate my heritage and represent young Pacific Islander girls.”
Joining her on this thrilling voyage are New Zealand’s John Tui, depicting Moana’s steadfast father, Chief Tui, and Frankie Adams, embodying the role of the spirited mother, Sina. The legendary Rena Owen also joins the ensemble as the cherished Gramma Tala. Of course, what would a “Moana” adventure be without Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson? Reprising his larger-than-life persona as the demigod Maui, Johnson promises to bring the same magic that he delivered in the animated version.
Thomas Kail, famed for directing “Hamilton,” will be steering this ship as the director. Kail expressed his excitement about the cast, saying, “Meeting Catherine, Rena, Frankie, and John has been an amazing process. I can’t wait to get started, and I’m particularly excited about seeing Catherine and Dwayne—along with Heihei—bring this story to life!”
Backing the project are producers Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia from Seven Bucks Productions, along with Beau Flynn from FlynnPictureCo. Adding an extra sprinkle of Disney magic, Lin-Manuel Miranda, who composed the original songs for the animation, will also serve as a producer. The script is in the capable hands of Jared Bush, who penned the original “Moana” screenplay, and Dana Ledoux Miller, a Samoan writer dedicated to uplifting Pacific Islander voices.
We’re bursting with anticipation for this incredible journey through Polynesian culture and tradition. What are you most excited about in the upcoming “Moana”? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share the excitement with fellow Disney enthusiasts!
For the original announcement and further details, visit [The Walt Disney Company’s official website](https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/moana-live-action-cast/).
