Catherine Laga’aia. Photo by Alexei Hay. © 2024 Alexei Hay. All rights reserved.
Advance:
- Catherine Laga’aia plays the title character in the live-action film ‘Moana’.
- Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as Maui.
- ‘Hamilton’ director Thomas Kail is behind the camera.
We know since April thatIn addition to the animated sequel coming to theaters this Thanksgiving, disney is hard at work on a live-action version of the 2016 animated hit ‘moana‘.
But although that advertisement included the word that Dwayne Johnson would reprise his role as demigod Maui, there was no indication who might inherit the lead role of the young Pacific islander who sets sail on a quest, as Auli’i Cravalhowho voiced Moana in the animated version, is just a producer on this one.
What is the story of Moana?
‘Moana’ from Walt Disney Studios Animation.
The original film follows the young woman who rebels against the insular nature of her island community and accepts her destiny as an adventurer, helping solve a big problem in the process.
Along the way, he meets Maui, the mischievous shape-shifting demigod who at first is a thorn in his side, but ends up being a trusted companion.
Who will appear in the live-action movie ‘Moana’?
Frankie Adams.
Here’s what Catherine Laga’aia had to say about landing the role:
“I am very excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites. 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 am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island people, and represent young girls who look like me.”
She will be joined in the cast by Auckland, a New Zealander. Juan Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealand actress Franky Adams plays Sina, Moana’s playful and determined mother; and Rena Owenoriginally from the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, she was chosen as the revered Gramma Tala.
Related article: Dwayne Johnson announces that Disney is making a live-action ‘Moana’
Who will make the live-action ‘Moana’ movie?
Juan Tui.
Thomas Kailwho directed the theatrical sensation ‘hamilton‘ (and on television he did things like ‘Fosse/Verdon‘ and ‘Up here‘), is behind the camera of the new ‘Moana’.
This is his statement when addressing the new film:
“I am delighted to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John through this casting process. I am honored by this opportunity and can’t wait to be all together on set. And there is no better couple to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne; actually, a trio: Heihei is also ready.”
In case that last name makes you say “who who?”, Heihei is Moana’s extremely wispy chicken friend from the animated film.
Jared Bush, who co-wrote the original ‘Moana’, has crafted the new script alongside Samoan writer Dana Ledoux Miller. And Kail’s old friend, creator/actor of ‘Hamilton’ Lin Manuel Miranda (who also wrote songs for the animated film) is a producer on this one.
When will ‘Moana’ live-action be in theaters?
Disney has placed a flag on July 10, 2026, as the release date for the new film.
Rena Owen. Photo by Manfred Baumann.