Disney has found their live-action Moana, with 17-year-old Sydney, Australia, native Catherine Laga‘aia. Disney also announced that Auckland, New Zealander John Tui will play Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams portrays Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen, who hails from Bay of Islands, NZ, was cast as the revered Gramma Tala.
As previously announced, Dwayne Johnson will reprise demigod Maui, a role made famous in the original 2016 movie.
The live-action version of Moana is being directed by Thomas Kail, who helmed Hamilton on Broadway and Disney+, Grease Live and the first and last episodes of Hulu’s lauded limited series We Were the Lucky Ones.
Kail said of the casting news:
“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.”
Laga‘aia said of her role in the film:
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites. 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.”
The live-action Moana is set to hit theatres on July 10, 2026. Moana 2, the animated sequel, is opening in theaters the Wednesday before Thanksgiving this year.
Moana will be shooting this summer.
Jessica Fisher
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