Production on the upcoming live-action Moana is starting soon!
Disney just announced that the new film adaptation will begin this summer and they revealed the actress who will be playing the titular role.
17-year-old actress Catherine Laga’aia has been cast as Moana in the upcoming feature, taking on the role originally played by Auli’i Cravalho in the animated version.
Keep reading to find out more…
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” the Sydney native shared in a statement. “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.”
Also just announced were the actors playing Moana’s parents and grandma. Find out who below!
John Tui, who has worked with Dwayne on his series Young Rock and the movie Hobbs & Shaw, has been cast as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui.
Frankie Adams joins the cast as Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother Sina.
Siren actress Rena Owen has been cast as Moana’s revered grandmother, Gramma Tala.
The upcoming movie will “bring to life in a whole new way the story of a young woman eager to pave her own path,” while “celebrating the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders in a spectacular adventure.”
Dwayne Johnson was, of course, previously announced to be reprising his role as demi-god Maui!
Hamilton‘s Thomas Kail is set to direct, with Dwayne and Auli’i serving as executive producers.
The live-action Moana has a release date set for July 10, 2026!
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