After an extensive search, Disney has found the . Newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia will star as the titular character in the remake of the 2016 hit animated film. The 17-year-old actor hails from Sydney, Australia, and joins Dwayne Johnson in the feature, reprising his role as demigod Maui.
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because is one of my favorites,” said Laga‘aia 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.” Laga‘aia picks up the role from Auli‘i Cravalho, who voice starred in the 2016 original and will executive produce the remake. She is said to be mentoring the younger actor in the role.
Other cast for the remake include Auckland, New Zealander actor John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealand actor Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother, Sina; and Rena Owen, who hails from Bay of Islands, NZ, as Gramma Tala. Thomas Kail, director of Broadway’s , is at the helm of the feature, which bows July 10, 2026. He also recently directed episodes of the Hulu limited series .
Said the filmmaker: “I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John through this casting process. I am humbled by this opportunity, and I cannot wait to all be on set together. And there’s no better pair .
