Moana Live-Action Remake Casts Newcomer Catherine Laga'aia In ...

Make way, make way... we have some Moana news! Just a couple of weeks ago, we shared with you the first trailer for Disney's upcoming animated sequel Moana 2, and now we've got the latest update on Thomas Kail's hotly anticipated live-action remake of the House of Mouse's animated smash. In a post shared on Twitter/X earlier tonight, Walt Disney Studios announced that 17-year-old Australian newcomer Catherine Laga'aia is set to play Moana in the film, which starts production this summer. Check out the announcement below;

And as you can see, it's not just Laga'aia who is getting ready to set sail in Disney's new seafaring adventure, either. John Tui is set to play Moana’s father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams will take on the role of Moana’s mother, Sina; and Rena Owen will be bringing Moana's Gramma Tala to life in the film. They all join Dwayne Johnson, whose return as Maui for the live-action remake was confirmed back in April.

“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” said Laga‘aia in a statement following her casting announcement. “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.” And, as Laga'aia prepares to take on the role of a lifetime, original Moana voice actor Auli'i Cravalho has already shared a message with some words of wisdom for her successor. Check out the clip below;

Also offering a statement to accompany today's news, director Kail praised the cast he's assembled for the film. “I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John through this casting process," said Kail. "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.” And with Disney's live-action Moana set to hit our screens on 10 July, 2026, what can we say except you're welcome... to join us in getting very hyped for this one!