Live-Action Moana is Cast
Today, Disney announced that Catherine Laga‘aia has been cast as Moana in the live-action remake of the 2016 animated film coming to theaters on July 10, 2026. Additionally, John Tui will play her father, Chief Tui, Frankie Adams will play her mother, Sina, and Rena Owen will portray Gramma Tala. Of course, Dwayne Johnson will reprise his role as Maui. Check out a statement from Catherine Laga’aia here:
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” said the 17-year-old Sydney, Australia, native. “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.”
And from director Thomas Kail (Hamilton):
“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 and Dwayne—actually, trio: Heihei is ready, too.”
I have no problem with this girl or any of the cast. They are actors doing a job, and it’s hard to imagine who would turn down an opportunity like this. But this movie shouldn’t exist, and I’m not looking forward to it.
But what do you think? Sound off in the comments!
