Sometimes a live action movie is just what we need. Don’t get us wrong, we do love the animated original movies, but sometimes it’s bringing it to life that makes it even better. It doesn’t mean that we forget about the original.
Moana is one of those movies that we are excited for the live action, but it doesn’t take away from our love for the original. We have known that a live action Moana is coming and we’ve been interested to see casting. Disney has cast Catherine Laga‘aia in the title role.
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” the 17-year-old who hails from Sydney, Australia said in a statement. “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.”
We love that Disney is really making sure that the live action movie stays true to the story and the characters. Representation is important and Disney is making sure that it is seen in Moana.
Laga‘aia wasn’t the only actor announced. Also announced were New Zeleand actors John Tui and Frankie Adams who will play Moana’s father and mother, respectively. Cast as Gramma Tala is Rena Owen, who also hails from New Zeleand.
Dwayne Johnson will also be in the live action sequel, reprising his role as the demigod Maui.
We have a way to wait for the live action movie, July 10, 2026. However, if you need a Moana fix, the animated sequel, Moana 2, will hit theaters this fall.