More than a year ago, Disney announced that it would be creating a live-action remake of the 2016 animated film Moana. Yesterday, Disney revealed that it had chosen an actress to star as the titular character. Playing Moana will be Australian actress Catherine Laga’aia.
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” Laga’aia said. “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.”
Shortly after Disney announced a live-action version would be made, Auli’i Cravalho — who voiced Moana in the 2016 animated film — stated that she wouldn’t reprise her role. Instead, Cravalho will be an executive producer for the remake. While Cravalho opted to stick to the production side of the film, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will reprise his role as Maui.
In addition to Johnson and Laga’aia, Frankie Adams (Sina), Rena Own (Gramma Tala), and John Tui (Chief Tui) have been confirmed to be in the new film. Disney has found success creating live-action remakes of some of its classic films including The Lion King, Aladdin, Mulan and The Little Mermaid. There are also plans to revive Hercules, Snow White and Bambi.
The live-action Moana is set to begin filming this summer and has a tentative release date of July 10, 2026.
