Australian actress Catherine Laga’aia has been cast as Moana in the upcoming Disney live-action movie.

Set for Australian screens on July 9, 2026, the 17-year-old from Sydney will star opposite Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as Maui from the 2016 animated film. Production begins later this year.

Catherine Laga‘aia. Photo supplied

“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favourites,” said Laga’aia.

“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 honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”

The live-action Moana will be directed by Thomas Kail, who previously directed Grease Live and Broadway’s Hamilton. The cast also features New Zealand actors John Tui, Frankie Adams and Rena Owen.

“I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John through this casting process. I am humbled by this opportunity, and I cannot wait to all be on set together. And there’s no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine...