Disney has found its lead actress for the live-action Moana remake in Catherine Laga’aia, who will portray the titular heroine. Joining her is Dwayne Johnson, reprising his role as the demigod Maui.
The 17-year-old Australian actress steps into the role previously voiced by Auli’i Cravalho in the 2016 animated hit. Cravalho, who will mentor Laga’aia, expressed her pride and excitement for the young actress taking on this significant role.
Laga’aia shared her enthusiasm for bringing Moana to life, highlighting her Samoan heritage as an honor to represent Pacific Island peoples and young girls who see themselves in her character. The cast also includes John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, promising a rich ensemble for the remake.
Catherine Laga’aia (Alexei Hay)
Dwayne Johnson has already teased the production start with a behind-the-scenes video of him recording vocals for Maui’s iconic song, “You’re Welcome.” This sneak peek has heightened anticipation for the film, which is set to begin production this fall.
Moana’s live-action remake continues Disney’s trend of reimagining animated classics for new audiences. While this approach has seen mixed success—ranging from the financially triumphant The Little Mermaid (2023) to the critically panned Pinocchio (2022)—Moana’s original success and cultural significance position it uniquely.
The film, celebrated for its authentic portrayal of Polynesian culture, aims to deepen this representation with an authentically diverse cast.
Moana (Disney)
Thomas Kail, renowned for his theatrical work on Hamilton and We Were The Lucky Ones, will direct the remake, making his feature directorial debut. Kail’s experience with emotionally charged narratives suggests he may bring a fresh perspective to Moana’s story.
Auli’i Cravalho reflected on her role in redefining the Disney princess narrative with Moana, emphasizing bravery and resilience. As Moana’s universe expands with both an animated sequel and the live-action adaptation, Cravalho remains involved as an executive producer, expressing her excitement for the new generations who will connect with Moana.
The live-action Moana is poised to honor its predecessor while introducing new elements that resonate with contemporary audiences, leveraging the strengths of its diverse cast and experienced creative team.
