The schedule of upcoming Disney live-action remakes includes quite a few titles, and one of them is the reimagining of the hit animated film Moana . Said project was announced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the spring of 2023 and, since then, details on the film have slowly been announced. Up to this point, the only confirmed star of the fantasy/adventure flick had been Johnson, who is set to reprise his role as the delightful demigod Maui.
Well, the film has now officially cast a lead actress to take on the titular role, and other actors have been tapped for the production as well. Walt Disney Studios formally announced on Wednesday that up-and-coming talent Catherine Laga‘aia has been cast to play the role of Moana. The 17-year-old actress hails from Sydney, Australia, and this casting will mark a major professional milestone for her.
Amid the announcement of her casting, Laga‘aia also shared a sentimental statement (via a press release), in which she expressed enthusiasm over taking the role and shared her personal connection to the Polynesian culture the franchise highlights: I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites. 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. The actress will carry the tor.