Australian Actress Cast as Moana in Disney’s Live-Action Remake

Disney has revealed that Australian actress Catherine Laga’aia will be taking on the lead role in the live-action remake of the 2016 animated film Moana.

In an official announcement, Disney shared that Laga’aia is set to play the adventurous teenager in the upcoming film, scheduled for release on July 10, 2026.

Laga’aia expressed her excitement about portraying Moana, citing her Pacific Island heritage and the significance of representing young girls like herself.

Auli'i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, confirmed her involvement in the remake as an executive producer through a post on Instagram in May 2023.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson will return to the project, reprising his role as Maui, alongside Laga’aia.

Joining the cast are John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Own as Gramma Tala, with filming set to commence this summer in New Zealand.

Moana joins the roster of Disney animated films being adapted into live-action, alongside classics like Aladdin, The Lion King, and Mulan.

Disney’s upcoming live-action remakes also include Lilo & Stitch, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Peter Pan.

For more updates on Disney and Pixar‘s latest projects, follow Reporter Taylor on Twitter.