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Disney’sMoanahas found its new lead and that’s Catherine Laga’aia, a 17-year-old Australian actress. She will star alongside Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson who voiced the demigod Maui in the 2016 animated film.
Before the studio had cast Laga’aia, fans had been speculating whether original actress Auli’i Cravalho would return in the titular role. Later on, she revealed turning down the part due to issues with the accuracy of representation.
Disney Casts Catherine Laga’aia As Moana In Live-Action Movie
In a statement acquired byVariety, Catherine Laga’aia expressed her enthusiasm for being chosen to lead Disney’s live-action version of Moana. Revealing her “grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i” and her “grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai,” the actress takes pride in her heritage.
I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites… I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.
The production forMoanais set to commence this summer in time for its target 2026 release. Thomas Kail, who is known forHamiltonon Broadway andGrease Live, will be taking the director’s seat. He said about the cast ofMoana:
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.
Auli’i Cravalhopreviously expressed excitement for the live-action project and hoped the studio would find a fitting cast. She notably turned down the offer to return because she believed an accurate representation of the story was quite important.
Watch Dwayne Johnson Show Off His Dance Moves at CinemaCon to Introduce Moana 2 to His Fans
In anInstagramvideo, the actress reminisced about her role as Moana after being cast at age 14. Now older, she will serve as an executive producer for the film. “In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role,” she remarked. “I believe it is absolutely vital the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell,” added Cravalho.
Moanareceived an impressive 95% score onRotten Tomatoesand is one of Disney’s most profitable projects after it grossed over$687 millionworldwide against a budget of $150 million.
Fun Facts About New Moana Actress Catherine Laga’aia
Catherine Laga’aia might be an unfamiliar name for many, and that’s becauseMoanais her first-ever big-screen debut. Before this, her only professional acting role was in Australia’sThe Lost Flowers of Alice Hartin 2023.
She comes from a family of talented people. Her father, Jay Laga’aia, might be a familiar face to fans because he has been acting for decades. He notably played Captain Typho inStar Wars Episode II: Attack of the ClonesandEpisode III: Revenge of the Sith.
Dwayne Johnson Reportedly Returning to Disney After Black Adam Disaster as Moana Live-Action Set to Begin Filming This Year
His other appearances include Senior Constable Tommy Tavita inWater Ratsand Nick Pickering inBed of Roses.
Moanais slated for a June 22, 2025 release.
Ariane Cruz
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3533
Ariane Cruz is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 3,000 articles published. Her love for pop culture and the creative arts fuels her passion to deliver engaging and informative stories. Her daily consumption of films, shows, and books keeps her energized for the day, along with her mission to serve as the bridge between fans and their favorite franchises.
