Disney Finds Their Live-Action Moana
While Dwayne Johnson will be reprising his role as Maui in the upcoming live-action remake of Moana, he will not be joined by Auli’i Cravalho.
Despite the fact that Cravalho is set to return to her role as the voice of Moana in the upcoming Moana 2, she has previously announced that she would not be portraying the character in live-action.
Photo: Billboard
“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career,” she stated in an Instagram post. “In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.”
Passing the Baton
Instead, Cravalho will serve as an executive producer on the film.
“I can’t wait to find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit, and emotional strength,” Cravalho continued.
Auli’i Cravalho, Voice of Moana
“I’m truly honored to pass this baton to the next woman of Pacific Island descent to honor our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures and communities that help inspire her story, and I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come. Mahalo.”
Disney Finds Their Moana
Well, 13 months after Cravalho talked of passing the baton, The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Disney has finally found their live-action Moana.
At the conclusion of an extensive search, Disney has tapped newcomer Catherine Laga’aia to play the titular heroine. The 17-year-old actress hails from Sydney, Australia.
Photo: The Hollywood Reporter
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” said Laga‘aia in a statement. “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.”
Photo: Also Disney
In addition to Johnson, the film will star John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as her mother Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. The cast has been put together under the watchful eye of director Thomas Kail, who is perhaps best known as the director of Hamilton.
Dwayne Johnson. (Photo also by Frazer Harrison/WireImage)
Disney’s live-action Moana will hit theaters on July 10, 2026.
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