Disney casts Moana in live-action remake

Disney has cast a newcomer for the lead role in the live-action remake of “Moana.”

On Wednesday (June 12), it was announced on the Walt Disney Company’s Instagram account that Catherine Laga’aia had been cast in the role of the Disney princess.

This will be Catherine’s first major role in a live-action film, having previously starred in the television series “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart” with Sigourney Weaver and Alycia Debnam-Carey on the streaming service Prime Video.

“I am very excited to take on this character because Moana is one of my favorite characters,” Laga’aia said in a press release.

“My grandfather is from Fa’aala, Palauli, in Savai’i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples and to represent young girls who look like me.”

In the live-action adaptation of “Moana,” Catherine is supported by Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as the demigod Maui. John Tui also stars as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.

Disney also confirmed on Wednesday that filming on the Moana remake will begin this summer.

Just last month, Dwayne Johnson shared some behind-the-scenes insights into the re-recording of Maui’s song “You’re Welcome” for the remake.

Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated version, is involved as a producer, but announced last year that she would not appear in the film.

“It is my great honour to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Islander descent to honour our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures and communities that have inspired her story, and I look forward to all the wonderful Pacific representation to come,” she wrote on social media.

“As an executive producer on the film, I can’t wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s brave spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength.”

In parallel with the remake, Disney is working on an animated film about Vaiana 2. Both Cravalho and Johnson will confirm their roles for the sequel.

Vaiana 2 – The Great Adventure will be released on November 27, 2024, before the live-action remake is released on July 10, 2026. The original Vaiana – The wonderful world of love is available to stream on Disney+.

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