Disney's Live-Action Moana Casts Catherine Laga'aia as Lead

Disney has announced Australian actress Catherine Laga'aia will star as the lead character in the live-action remake of the 2016 animated film Moana. Set to be released on July 10, 2026, the casting includes Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson reprising his role as Maui, with John Tui, Frankie Adams, and Rena Own also joining the cast. The film aims to celebrate Pacific Island culture. Auli'i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, will serve as an executive producer but will not reprise her role.

When is the live-action Moana movie coming out?

The live-action Moana movie is set to hit theatres on July 10, 2026.

Background information: The 2016 animated film Moana was a huge success, beloved for its vibrant animation, memorable soundtrack, and powerful depiction of Polynesian culture. Dwayne Johnson's portrayal of Maui became iconic, and Auli'i Cravalho won praise for her heartfelt performance as Moana. Given the popularity of Disney's live-action remakes, this upcoming adaptation aims to capture the same magic while celebrating the cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands.