Disney has announced the cast of the upcoming live-action version of "Moana."
In a press release on June 12, Disney announced that 17-year-old Catherine Laga'aiawill play the titular role.
Disney had previously confirmed both the live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated movie and an animated sequel.
Disney announced the live-action remake of its Oscar-nominated film on X last April.
Dwayne Johnson, who played the demigod Maui in the original animated movie, helped announce the live-action film, connecting it back to his own Samoan heritage. “As many of you know ... we found so much inspiration for Maui in the mana and the presence of my late grandfather, the legendary High Chief Peter Maivia," Johnson shared.
Here’s what we know about the live-action "Moana."
When is the live-action 'Moana' coming out?
The movie will premiere on July 10, 2026, Disney said in the June 12 press release. The cast will begin filming this summer.
Who is playing Moana in the live-action version?
Disney announced June 12 that Catherine Laga'aia will play the live-action Moana in the upcoming film.
"I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites," the 17-year-old Sydney, Australia, native said in a press release. "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 has previously appeared in the TV series "The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart."
Auli'i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original film, said in a May 2023 Instagram post that she would not play the lead in the live-action film.
"I’m truly honored to pass this baton to the next woman of Pacific Island descent to honor our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures, and communities that help inspire her story, and I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come. Mahalo," Cravalho shared at the time.
Later, in a January 2024 interview with TODAY.com, Cravalho, now 23, explained that she felt it was important to find a new lead who was closer to 16, the age of the fictional character.
"I love that the 'Moana' universe is growing but when I think of a live-action remake, I think it’s important that that we stay true to character. You find someone who is near to 16, you find someone who has a beautiful singing voice, you find someone who is unknown, you find someone who is of the Pacific islands," she said. "When I talk about representation, I want to throw the door wide open. I want there to be Pacific Island representation in front as well as behind the camera."
Cravalho is an executive producer on the live-action project.
What about the rest of the cast? Is anyone from the original ‘Moana’ returning?
Johnson previously announced that he will reprise his role as the demigod Maui.
In the June 12 press release, Disney revealed that John Tui, from Auckland, New Zealand, will play Moana's father, Chief Tui. Samoan-New Zealand actorFrankie Adams will play Moana's mother, Sina, and Rena Owen, from Bay of Islands, New Zealand, will play Gramma Tala.
Thomas Kail, the Tony Award-winning director of “Hamilton” on Broadway, will direct the movie. "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda's music will return.
How does the live-action movie compare to 'Moana 2'?
"Moana 2," announced in February 2024, will hit theaters Nov. 27, 2024.
Cravalho will portray the titular character in the animated sequel and Johnson will return as Maui.
In the movie, Moana and Maui will continue their adventures —but set to new music.
Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina will oversee the music for the sequel, not Miranda.
Sofia Alperovich
Sofia ‘Sofie’ Alperovich is an Audience Engagement Intern for NBC News Group and a contributing author forTODAY.com. She is currently studying at NYU Stern, pursuing a bachelor's degree in marketing & finance. In her spare time, Sofie’s favorite things to do are read the “magical realism” genre of books (way too specific, right?), listen to Psychology & True Crime Podcasts, read her daily horoscope, binge-watch her favorite TV show, and sketch at a random coffee shop in East Village. She is also obsessed with cats, traveling, and doing open-mic comedy shows. When she graduates, she hopes to continue in her pursuit of TV and Media, print and digital press, and everything connected to the entertainment industry.
