Catherine Lagaʻaia embraces role of Moana in Disney’s live-action adaptation

With Disney’s live-action adaptation of "Moana" scheduled for theatrical release on July 10, 2026, attention is turning to lead star Catherine Lagaʻaia. She is set to portray the title character in this reimagining of the 2016 animated film.

Samoan actress Lagaʻaia, daughter of actor and writer Jay Lagaʻaia, was cast after an extensive search for the lead role.

Lagaʻaia made her screen debut in the television series “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart” and is also set to appear in the upcoming project “Crashout,” which is currently in post-production. This Disney film will mark her first major leading role.

Her casting was previously highlighted by Disney as part of its focus on Pacific representation in the film.

According to Variety, 19-year-old Lagaʻaia expressed her excitement about the role, noting that Moana is one of her favorite characters.

She also shared details about her heritage, mentioning that her grandfather is from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i, and her grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the island of Upolu in Samoa.

The lead actress expressed her honor in celebrating Samoa and Pacific Island communities, highlighting the importance of portraying young girls who look like her. T

he trailer also features familiar musical cues from the original soundtrack, including “How Far I’ll Go” and “I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors).” 

Meanwhile, Dwayne Johnson will be reprising his role as Maui, which he originally voiced in the animated film.

-Paraluman News