Disney has finally released the official teaser for the highly anticipated live-action remake of the 2016 hit animated movie Moana, giving everyone their first look at Catherine Laga’aia as the titular character.
The 59-second teaser gives a glimpse of the fictional island of Motunui and Dwayne Johnson as the Demigod Maui while Catherine sings the film’s iconic soundtrack, “How Far I’ll Go” by Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the first and second animated films.
As Catherine declares herself as Moana, here’s everything you need to know about the actress who will bring this Disney character to life.
Who is Catherine Laga’aia?
An 18-year-old rising star born in Sydney, Australia, and of Samoan heritage, Catherine is the daughter of actor and writer Jay Laga’aia, who played Captain Typho in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.
So, when Catherine was officially announced to play Moana in June 2024, the proud father couldn’t help but share the news on Instagram.
“My family and I are so pleased to share this news with the rest of the world. My daughter Katie can finally share the news that she will be taking on the role of Moana in the live-action Disney movie alongside Dwayne Johnson and [producer] Lin-Manuel Miranda,” he wrote.
How did Catherine Laga’aia become Moana?
It was April 2023 when Johnson announced that the live-action Moana would hit the big screen.
“This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace, mana and warrior strength,” he said in a post on Instagram.
After over a year, Disney then announced Catherine would play Moana. At the time, she was only 17 years old.
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” she said. “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.”
In addition to Moana, which is her debut movie, Catherine’s other credits include Young Candy in three episodes of The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart.
What is Moana About?
Moana will see the daughter of the chief of a coastal village chosen by the ocean reunite goddess Te Fiti with a mystical relic.
To complete this mission, Moana will receive the help of demigod Maui.
In addition to Catherine and Johnson, John Tui will join the live-action film as Moana’s father, Motunui’s Chief Tui, and Frankie Adams as her mother, Sina. Rena Owen will also be seen as Moana’s grandmother.
Cravalho will also be part of the movie, though as an executive producer, after deciding not to reprise her role despite its success.
Moana is directed by Hamilton director Thomas Kail and set to be released in theaters on July 10, 2026.
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