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Who is Catherine Laga'aia? The 19-Year-Old Actress Leading Disney's Live-Action Film Moana
Disney's latest live-action film Moana is all set to hit the big screens on July 10, 2026.
Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson is set to return as the beloved demigod Maui in Disney's live-action adaptation of Moana. Joining him is rising actor Catherine Laga'aia, who steps into the iconic role of Moana, marking her feature-film debut. Directed by Thomas Kail, the project also marks his first feature-length film. Serving as the third installment in the Moana franchise and its first live-action adaptation, the film is slated to hit theatres on July 10.
Who is Catherine Laga'aia?
Nineteen-year-old Catherine Laga'aia is a Samoan-Australian actor based in Sydney. She is the daughter of renowned New Zealand-Australian actor and singer Jay Laga'aia. Long before landing the role, Catherine shared a connection with Moana. She was just nine years old when Disney released the original animated film in 2016, and seeing a heroine who reflected her own heritage made a lasting impact on her.
Director Thomas Kail recently revealed that Catherine immediately stood out during the casting process. Speaking on the Sydney red carpet, he recalled that she was highly impressive when he saw her audition tape. "She has that thing, you know, that thing that I say you can only coach it, you can't teach it. I felt in that very first audition tape that I saw of hers when she was 16 years old."
What is Moana about?
The story follows Moana, a courageous young woman who answers a mysterious call from the ocean and leaves her home island of Motunui for the very first time. Venturing beyond the island's protective reef, she embarks on an unforgettable journey alongside the powerful demigod Maui. Together, they face dangerous challenges and magical adventures as Moana sets out to restore the well-being of her people and discover her true destiny.
About the film
Moana is produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia and Lin-Manuel Miranda, and executive produced by Thomas Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth and Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in Moana and Moana 2. The film features original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina, along with an original score composed by Mancina.
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