A new teaser for Disney’s live-action Moana has arrived, and with it comes a fresh face playing the beloved Polynesian heroine. Catherine Lagaʻaia, an 18-year-old actress from Sydney, Australia, has been chosen to portray Moana in her first-ever movie role. Fans of the 2016 animated film are excited to see how she brings this brave and adventurous character to life.
Who Plays Moana? Meet Catherine Lagaʻaia
The story of Moana follows a courageous young girl who travels across the ocean to save her island by restoring the heart of a powerful goddess. In the teaser, Catherine appears as Moana and sings the popular song “How Far I’ll Go,” originally performed by Auliʻi Cravalho in the animated version. Disney revealed Catherine as the lead actress in June 2024, and her casting has been celebrated across the Pacific community.
Catherine has strong cultural roots in Samoa, something she proudly shared in her statement to the press. She explained that her grandfather is from Fa‘aala, Palauli in Savai‘i, and her grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the island of ‘Upolu. She said she feels honored to represent Samoa and young Pacific Island girls who can see themselves in her character. Her excitement reflects how meaningful this role is, not only for her but for many families across the region.
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The new movie also brings back Dwayne Johnson, who will once again play Maui, the powerful and comedic demigod. Johnson, who is also Samoan, has spoken about how important it is to show his heritage on screen. Before starring in Moana, Catherine appeared in a small role in the Prime Video series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, and she is the daughter of actor Jay Lagaʻaia, known for his roles in the Star Wars films and several Australian TV shows.
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Auliʻi Cravalho, the original Moana, decided not to reprise her role in the live-action version. Instead, she is working as an executive producer and said she wanted to help find a new actress who could represent the spirit and strength of Moana. With Catherine Lagaʻaia now stepping into the role, fans can look forward to seeing a fresh and heartfelt interpretation when the live-action Moana releases in theaters on July 10, 2026.
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
