Disney has finally released the first teaser for its highly anticipated live-action Moana remake, and fans around the world are buzzing with excitement — and one big question:
Who is the new actress playing Moana?
Her name is Catherine Lagaʻaia, an 18-year-old Australian-Samoan actress who is stepping into one of the most beloved Disney roles of the modern era. Even though this is her film debut, her presence in the teaser already has audiences hooked. Her voice, her look, and her energy all reflect the spirit of the ocean-loving heroine millions fell in love with back in 2016.
But who exactly is Catherine Lagaʻaia?
What is her cultural background?
How did she land this massive role?
And why did Auli‘i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, pass the torch?
This in-depth, SEO-optimized article covers everything you need to know about Catherine Lagaʻaia, the casting process, the cultural significance of the film, the legacy of Moana, behind-the-scenes details, and what to expect when the movie hits theaters in July 2026.
Grab a snack — this is your complete guide to the new live-action Moana.
The Big Reveal: Meet Catherine Lagaʻaia — Disney’s New Moana
Disney officially announced in June 2024 that Catherine Lagaʻaia would star as Moana in the live-action remake. At just 17 years old when she landed the role, Catherine immediately caught worldwide attention.
The moment the teaser dropped, showcasing Catherine singing “How Far I’ll Go,” fans felt something familiar — yet new. She carries the warmth, confidence, and adventurous spark that define Moana, but she also brings her own youthful authenticity and Polynesian heritage to the role.
✔ Her background makes her a perfect fit
Born in Sydney, Australia, Catherine is deeply connected to her Samoan roots. In her first press statement released by Disney, she said:
“My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i, and my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on ’Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to celebrate Samoa, all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
This representation — powerful, emotional, and personal — lies at the heart of why Catherine was chosen.
Why Catherine Lagaʻaia Is the Ideal Choice for Moana
1. Authentic Polynesian Heritage
Disney knew how important cultural accuracy was. After all, Moana isn’t just a fictional character — she’s inspired by the mythology, communities, and navigational traditions of the Polynesian world.
Catherine’s Samoan background ensures the role remains rooted in authenticity.
2. Natural Screen Presence
Even though she’s relatively new to the industry, she has already proven her emotional range in:
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The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (Prime Video) — where she played Young Candy over three episodes
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Local theatre and performance training
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Multiple auditions and acting workshops
Directors and producers have praised her confidence, humility, and ability to project strength — all key Moana qualities.
3. A New Voice With a Familiar Spirit
In the teaser, Catherine’s rendition of “How Far I’ll Go” gives fans chills. She doesn’t imitate Auli’i Cravalho — she embodies Moana in her own way.
4. The Blessing of Auliʻi Cravalho
Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated films, personally supported the casting of a new young Polynesian actress. As an executive producer, she helped search for the right person.
Having Moana’s original actress stand behind Catherine adds weight and credibility to the choice.
Catherine Lagaʻaia’s Early Life and Family Background
Catherine’s journey is especially fascinating because she comes from a family with artistic roots. Talent runs in her blood.
Her father is a well-known actor
Catherine is the daughter of Jay Lagaʻaia, a respected Samoan-New Zealand actor who has appeared in:
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Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones
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Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith
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Home and Away
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The Wiggles
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Jay’s Jungle (a children’s series he created and starred in)
Her father has been part of film and TV for decades, offering Catherine invaluable mentorship.
A family connected to culture
The Lagaʻaia family is known for remaining deeply connected to their Samoan heritage, traditions, and community involvement. Catherine often speaks about her pride in representing Pacific Island people on a global stage.
How Catherine Was Cast as Moana
Disney wanted the live-action Moana to reflect Polynesian youth — not just visually but culturally, spiritually, and emotionally. They reportedly held auditions across the Pacific, including:
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Samoa
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Hawaii
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Fiji
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Tonga
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Aotearoa/New Zealand
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Australia
Catherine’s casting was based on:
✔ her natural singing ability
✔ her acting experience
✔ her connection to Polynesian identity
✔ her ability to portray Moana’s bravery and heart
✔ her youthful, warm, approachable presence
When she stepped into the audition room, she wasn’t just reading lines — she was living her heritage.
Directors said she showed a balance of:
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Strength
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Vulnerability
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Humor
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Curiosity
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And a deep connection to her culture
That made her an immediate standout.
Why Auliʻi Cravalho Stepped Back From Playing Moana
Auliʻi Cravalho was only 14 years old when she voiced Moana in the 2016 animated film. Her performance became iconic — but she chose not to reprise the role in live-action.
Here’s why:
1. She wants accurate cultural representation
Auliʻi, now an executive producer, said:
“It is absolutely vital that the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.”
She wanted a younger, Polynesian actress to play Moana — someone at the beginning of her journey, just like she was.
2. She wants to help uplift new Pacific talent
She explained that her goal was to pass the torch. By stepping aside, she made space for new Polynesian actors like Catherine to rise.
3. She still plays a huge role behind the scenes
Auliʻi is helping shape:
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Casting decisions
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Cultural representation
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Story development
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Performance guidance
Her influence ensures the live-action film remains true to Moana’s spirit.
Dwayne Johnson Returns as Maui — And Why That’s Important
Unlike Moana, the role of Maui will be played again by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who voiced the character in the animated movie. He is also a producer.
Johnson has always been vocal about his Samoan heritage, and he sees Maui as a tribute to his culture.
He said:
“Representing my people onscreen means everything to me.”
His return adds continuity between the animated and live-action versions — and fans are thrilled to see him bring Maui’s humor and heart to a new generation.
What the Live-Action Moana Story Will Explore
So far, Disney has confirmed that the live-action film will follow the same core story as the animated movie:
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Moana sets out across the ocean
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She seeks the demigod Maui
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Together they journey to restore the heart of Te Fiti
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And save her island from destruction
But live-action allows for:
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New scenes
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More emotional depth
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Greater focus on Polynesian traditions
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Real-life imagery of canoes, ocean, and islands
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Stronger cultural representation
Expect themes of:
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Identity
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Courage
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Ancestry
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Navigation
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Connection to the sea
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Empowerment of young Pacific Island women
The film aims to honor the original while adding cinematic richness.
Why Representation Matters: The Cultural Impact of Moana
Moana wasn’t just another Disney princess. She became a cultural icon.
1. A milestone in Polynesian representation
For many Pacific families, Moana was the first major Hollywood film that portrayed:
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Polynesian navigation
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Traditional tattoos
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Island community structure
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Mythology and gods
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Oral storytelling
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Natural connection to the ocean
2. Inspiration for young Pacific girls
Many Pacific girls saw themselves on screen for the first time. Now, Catherine Lagaʻaia continues that legacy in live-action form.
3. A global teaching moment
Moana helped millions learn about Polynesian values like:
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Family
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Courage
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Responsibility
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Exploration
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Respect for nature
The live-action version has the potential to go even deeper.
The Legacy of the 2016 Moana Film
The original Moana became a global phenomenon.
It earned over $680 million worldwide
And only grew more beloved over time.
It introduced iconic songs
Including:
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“How Far I’ll Go”
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“We Know the Way”
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“You’re Welcome”
These songs remain cultural staples, school recital favorites, and karaoke classics.
It made Auliʻi Cravalho a star
She went from an unknown Hawaiian teenager to a world-recognized Disney icon.
It helped revitalize Polynesian representation
Schools, dance studios, and cultural centers saw a huge increase in interest.
The live-action version will bring this legacy to a new era — visually, musically, and emotionally.
Catherine Lagaʻaia’s Acting Career Before Moana
Though Catherine is young, she already has experience on screen:
⭐ The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (Prime Video)
She played Young Candy, appearing in three episodes of the critically acclaimed series starring Sigourney Weaver.
This role showcased her emotional depth and ability to carry complex scenes — skills that will serve her well as Moana.
⭐ Local acting work
Catherine has been involved in:
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Educational acting programs
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Workshops
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Local theater
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Independent projects
Her training gave her the foundation she needed to step into a Disney leading role.
How Catherine Prepared for the Moana Role
Though Disney has not revealed full details, here’s what is known from press releases and industry reports:
✔ Cultural training
Catherine consulted with:
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Samoan elders
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Pacific storytellers
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Language experts
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Cultural advisors
✔ Voice and singing lessons
To perform songs like “How Far I’ll Go,” she trained extensively.
✔ Sailing and movement workshops
Like the animated Moana, Catherine is being trained in:
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Traditional navigation basics
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Canoe movement
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Physical acting for ocean scenes
✔ Working closely with Auliʻi Cravalho
As an executive producer, Auli‘i offered insights into:
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Character development
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Emotional beats
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Polynesian values
When Does the Live-Action Moana Release?
The film is currently set to hit theaters on:
July 10, 2026
This timeline allows for:
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Large-scale ocean cinematography
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High-quality CGI
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Musical production
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Cultural consultation
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Post-production visual effects
The wait is long, but expectations are sky-high.
Will the Original Moana Songs Return?
Disney has confirmed that the remake will include:
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“How Far I’ll Go”
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“We Know the Way”
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“Where You Are”
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“You’re Welcome”
Plus new arrangements and possibly new songs.
Hearing Catherine sing “How Far I’ll Go” in the teaser already sparked emotional reactions globally.
What Makes the Live-Action Moana Different From Other Disney Remakes
Here’s why this remake stands out:
✔ Polynesian cultural collaboration is deeper
Disney is working closely with Pacific communities.
✔ The ocean becomes a real character
Live-action water effects will change the visual experience.
✔ A new actress (Catherine) brings fresh energy
It feels like meeting Moana again for the first time.
✔ Greater emotional depth
Live-action storytelling can hit deeper than animation.
Catherine Lagaʻaia Is the Future of Moana
Disney’s choice to cast Catherine Lagaʻaia wasn’t just about talent.
It was about culture.
It was about representation.
It was about honoring Polynesian identity.
Catherine isn’t just playing Moana — she is Moana.
She carries the heart, courage, heritage, and curiosity of one of Disney’s most beloved characters.
With Auliʻi Cravalho guiding the film behind the scenes, Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui, and Disney committing to cultural authenticity, the live-action Moana remake has the potential to become one of the most meaningful Disney films ever made.
As we wait for July 2026, one thing is clear:
Catherine Lagaʻaia is about to become a global star — and the world is ready to sail with her.
