Disney Casts Catherine Laga’aia in The ‘Moana’ Live-Action
As we eagerly await the release of the animated film ‘Moana 2’, Disney has just announced Catherine Laga‘aia as their live-action Moana. The young star is thrilled about the opportunity to bring one of her favourite characters to life. The actress shared with Deadline that she is incredibly excited to embrace this role. Laga’aia mentioned that apart from being her favourite character, she also feels a deep connection to Moana’s origins. She spoke fondly of her grandfather hailing from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i, and her grandmother from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa.
Laga‘aia expressed that being part of a movie that represents her cultural heritage is an honour. She looks forward to celebrating Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples and representing young girls who see themselves in her. The actress emphasised how meaningful it is to portray a character that resonates with her background and experiences, bringing authenticity and passion to the role of Moana.
Also Read: ‘Moana 2’: Why Disney’s Beloved Character Looks So Different in The Sequel
In addition to Catherine Laga‘aia, the cast includes New Zealander John Tui as her strict and no-nonsense father, Chief Tui. Another Samoan-New Zealand actress, Frankie Adams, will portray Moana’s strong-willed mother, Sina, and the beloved Rena Owen will take on the role of the adorable Gramma Tala. The diverse and talented cast promises to bring depth and richness to the live-action adaptation.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who originally voiced Maui in the animated film, will reprise his role in the live-action version. Although plot details are still under wraps, the film is expected to start filming by summer. The original animated film was a massive success, grossing $687.2 million at the global box office and winning an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, setting high expectations for this new adaptation.
The live-action adaptation will be helmed by Thomas Kail, renowned for his work on ‘Hamilton’ on Broadway and Disney+, ‘Grease Live,’ and the Hulu series ‘We Were the Lucky Ones.’ Kail expressed his excitement about the project, sharing that he was thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie, and John through the casting process. His enthusiasm and vision for the film promise a fresh and engaging retelling of Moana’s story.
Kail also highlighted the dynamic pairing of Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga‘aia, expressing his belief that there couldn’t be a better duo for the film. He conveyed his eagerness to bring the team together on set, anticipating a collaborative and inspiring production process. The anticipation for the live-action Moana continues to build as fans look forward to seeing this beloved story brought to life in a new and exciting way.
-Sushmita Sarkar
