Disney introduces actress who will play the titular character in the live-action adaptation of 'Moana'
Walt Disney Studios finally announced the the actress who will play the lead in the live-action adaptation of the hit 2016 movie Moana last June 12.
According to Disney, the girl who will play the role of Moana is 17-year-old Australian Catherine Laga-aia. She will be joined by Dwayne Johnson as Maui, John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.
In April 2023, Dwayne announced that he will be bringing Maui's character to life by playing the role in the live-action film. He's the original voice of the 2016 animated film.
In a press release quoted by Teen Vogue, Catherine said that she is excited to “embrace” the role of Moana because she is one of her favorite Disney Princesses.
She also said that this role touches a personal part in her heart because of her ancestry and heritage.
“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,” Catherine said in the press release.
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According to reports, the live-action Moana will hit the theaters on July 10, 2026, three years after the announcement of Dwayne in 2023. Meanwhile, Disney confirmed that the production of the live-action Moana will start this summer (US).
But aside from the exciting live-action adaptation of Moana, Disney is also set to release the sequel to the animated movie, Moana 2, on November 27, 2024.
Last May, they officially released the teaser trailer for Moana 2 which highlighted the new adventures of Moana, Maui, and the people of the island of Motunui.
WATCH THE FULL TEASER TRAILER HERE:
