Disney Finds Its Moana in Catherine Laga‘aia

Walt Disney Studios has found its live-action Moana! Catherine Laga‘aia will be portraying the character when she comes to life on screen on July 10, 2026.

Dwayne Johnson is the only actor from the animated movie who is set to return for the live action. Johnson will reprise his role of Maui alongside newcomers to the Moana franchise Auckland, New Zealander John Tui as 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.

I can’t wait to see her in the role! I am still hoping they find a way to include Auli’i Cravalho in the live-action movie. Maybe she can portray the beautifl Te Fiti in the movie!

Source: Disney