Young Australian Actress Chosen to Play Moana in Live Action Version, Will Duet with Dwayne Johnson

Kapanlagi.com - Written By: Reza Ahmad Zahid

Walt Disney has made an announcement that they have found the chosen actress to play the role of Moana in the upcoming live-action version. Australian teenager Catherine Laga'aia will be joining Dwayne Johnson, who has previously joined the project with the role of Maui.

"I am very excited to receive this character because Moana is one of my favorites," said this Australian teenager, quoted from ABC News.

"My grandfather is from Fa'aala, Plauli, in Savai'i, and my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai Pulau Upolu in Samoa. I feel honored to have the opportunity to represent Samoa, the entire Pacific Island community, and young girls who are similar to me," she continued.

This film will begin the filming process this summer and is expected to be released in July 2026 in cinemas.

1. Live Action Moana Anticipated by Fans

Portrait of the film 'MOANA 2' (Credit: Disney/DISNEY - © 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

Disney has given a little sneak peek about the live action MOANA. This film will tell the story of a young woman who wants to see the world. All of this is done while celebrating the islands, tribes, and traditions of the Samoan people in a new adventure.

The film will be directed by Thomas Kail, who directed the film HAMILTON in 2020. MOANA will also star John Tui as Moana's father, Frankie Adams as Moana's mother, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. Moana's voice actress, Auli'i Cravalho, will be an executive producer in this live action adaptation.

2. Who is Catherine Laga'aia, Who Will Portray the Character Moana?

Portrait of Catherine (Credit: instagram.com/jaylagaaia)

The 17-year-old girl from Sydney is the daughter of singer and actor Jay Laga'aia. Her father shared the precious moment when Catherine was accepted as the character Moana through his personal Instagram account @jaylagaaia. This Samoan-blooded actor has actually starred in many blockbuster films, Klovers!

Jay Laga'aia has appeared in several films including STAR WARS EPISODE II - ATTACK OF THE CLONES and STAR WARS EPISODE III - REVENGE OF THE SITH. It is clear that Catherine has inherited talent from her father.

(kpl/rzz)