Sydney, Australia – Disney is set to release a live-action adaptation of the beloved film “Moana” in theaters on July 10, 2026. The 17-year-old Catherine Laga‘aia, hailing from Sydney, Australia, expressed her excitement about portraying the title character in the upcoming movie. Laga‘aia shared her pride in representing young girls from the Pacific Islands who share her heritage.
Joining Laga‘aia in the cast are New Zealand actor John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui, Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother, Sina, and Rena Owen portraying the revered Gramma Tala. Dwayne Johnson will reprise his role as the demigod Maui in the live-action version of “Moana,” which is directed by Thomas Kail, known for his work on Broadway’s “Hamilton” and various successful television projects.
Director Kail expressed his excitement to collaborate with the talented cast on the project, highlighting the dynamic between Laga‘aia, Johnson, and the character Heihei. The production of “Moana” is scheduled to begin this summer, with Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the original songs’ writer, serving as producers for the film.
Furthermore, the team behind the new “Moana” feature film includes Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, with Bush known for his work on the screenplay of the original animated film. Miller, a Samoan writer, brings his talent to the project, having created successful content like Netflix’s “Thai Cave Rescue” and playing a role in Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti.
The upcoming live-action adaptation of “Moana” aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands while bringing a beloved story to a new audience. As anticipation builds for the release, fans of the original film are eager to see how the live-action version will reimagine the beloved characters and songs that made “Moana” a global sensation.