Exciting news for Disney fans as the cast for the upcoming live-action film ‘Moana’ has been revealed. Catherine Laga’aia will be taking on the role of the adventurous teenager Moana, who sets sail on a daring mission to save her people. The 17-year-old Sydney native expressed her enthusiasm for the role, citing her own Pacific Island heritage as a source of inspiration.
Joining Laga’aia in the cast are John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother, Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. Dwayne Johnson will be reprising his role as the demigod Maui from the 2016 animated version of the film.
Directed by Thomas Kail, known for his work on Broadway’s ‘Hamilton’ and other acclaimed productions, ‘Moana’ is set to hit theaters on July 10, 2026. The film aims to celebrate Pacific Island cultures and traditions in a visually stunning adventure that is currently in production.
The production team includes Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia from Seven Bucks Productions, as well as Beau Flynn from FlynnPictureCo. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the original songwriter for ‘Moana,’ is also on board as a producer. The screenplay will be handled by Jared Bush, who previously worked on the animated version, and Dana Ledoux Miller.
With filming set to begin this summer, fans can look forward to a fresh take on the beloved story of Moana and her quest for independence. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated film!
