BREAKING: We FINALLY Know Who’s Going To Play The Live-Action Moana!

By Angie Garcia 1 Comment

Looks like Disney has finally found the right warrior to restore the heart of Te Fiti in their live-action Moana remake.

©Disney

It’s a great time to be a fan of Moana as Disney has released the trailer for the film’s sequel AND announced plans to make a live-action version of the film. We have been glued to our seats waiting for any announcements pertaining to the live-action remake and we FINALLY have confirmation on who will play the heroic title character!

Moana was released back in 2016 (can you believe it was that long ago??? anyone else feeling old???) and its popularity has DEFINITELY lasted. The film follows a young girl’s rebellious journey to save her island by going on an epic adventure with a powerful (and hilarious) demi-god. TEAM MAUI STAND UP!

It has been proven to be a modern classic, even earning its own attraction with Journey of Water at EPCOT in Walt Disney World. The film’s songs have proved timeless, and its messages are relevant. With talented performances by the cast, including Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as Maui, I’m pretty sure this movie will continue to gain the devotion of so many future generations.

Journey of Water

And now Disney has finally revealed its cast for their live-action Moana film and introduced their leading lady: Catherine Laga‘aia! Doesn’t she look just like Moana?!??!

Catherine Laga‘aia will play Moana in the Live Action film

“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” Catherine Laga‘aia states in an interview. “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.”

©Disney

Joining Catherine’s Moana in navigating the seas on an epic ocean adventure is Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson himself reprising his role of Maui! Also joining the journey is Auckland, New Zealander, John Tui playing Moana’s strong-willed father, Chief Tui. Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams brings to life Moana’s spirited mother, Sina; and Rena Owen, from Bay of Islands, New Zealand, will be portraying the esteemed Gramma Tala.

©Disney

Production is set to begin this summer ahead of its expected release on July 10th, 2026. We are so excited about the news of the casting and can’t wait to see what the live-action film has planned. And we also are so pumped about Moana 2 which hits theaters on November 27th this year! Like we said, it’s a good time to be a Moana fan! Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest in Disney news and updates.

‘Moana 2’ Trailer Breaks a Disney Record for Most Views, Topping ‘Inside Out 2’ and ‘Frozen 2’

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Are you excited about the Moana live-action? Let us know in the comments!