See the line where the sky meets the sea? It’s calling 17-year-old Australian actress Catherine Laga’aia to play Moana! That’s right, casting has been officially announced for the live-action remake of our beloved animated film, “Moana”!
In a statement included in the announcement, Laga‘aia, who lives in Sydney, said: “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.”
Fans of the animated film will also be excited to learn that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is returning to bring Maui to life in the live-action film; Rena Owen, known for her love of sting rays, will portray Grandma Tala; John Tui will voice Moana’s father; and Frankie Adams will voice Moana’s mother Sina.
Filming will begin this summer, and the film is set to release in theaters on July 10, 2026.
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