Disney has been known as Woke Disney these past few years. Will this next project be the same?
Walt Disney has unveiled that Catherine Laga’aia, a 17-year-old from Sydney, Australia, will be taking on the title role in the upcoming live-action adaptation of “Moana.” Joining her will be Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, reprising his role as Maui, the beloved larger-than-life demigod from the original animated film.
Disney has found its new live-action Moana! 🌊🌺
17-year-old Catherine Laga‘aia from Sydney has been cast as the lead role of the remake, starring alongside Dwayne Johnson, with filming set to begin in the next few months. #9Today pic.twitter.com/d0P9TViV8m
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) June 13, 2024
Laga’aia, of Samoan descent, expressed her excitement and honor at portraying Moana, emphasizing her deep personal connection to the character and her desire to represent Pacific Island cultures and inspire young girls who share her heritage. Her casting is part of Disney’s continued effort to culturally and authentically represent the characters in the film, which also includes John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, all of whom hail from New Zealand.
Catherine Laga‘aia has been cast as the lead in the upcoming live-action #Moana🌺
Moana’s original voice actor Auli’i Cravalho will return as an executive producer for the new film, however she chose NOT to reprise her role.
Here’s why ⬇️https://t.co/ewOpS5ADFh pic.twitter.com/gaUTldbyW1
— TheWrap (@TheWrap) June 12, 2024
The film is set to begin production this summer, with a theatrical release planned for July 2026. It will be directed by Thomas Kail, known for his work on “Hamilton” on Broadway and Disney+, “Grease Live,” and Hulu’s “We Were the Lucky Ones.” Kail expressed his enthusiasm about the project and the dynamic cast, looking forward to the new storytelling possibilities.
Auli’i Cravalho, who originally voiced Moana in the 2016 animated version, will take on the role of an executive producer, further linking the new live-action film to its animated roots.
Disney’s Live-Action ‘Moana’ Casts Catherine Laga’aia in Lead Role Opposite Dwayne Johnson, Filming Starts This Summer https://t.co/6zyV1LQrM8
— Variety (@Variety) June 12, 2024
The new “Moana” adaptation aims to breathe fresh life into the story of a young woman determined to forge her own path, while also celebrating the rich traditions, communities, and natural beauty of the Pacific Islands. This project promises to be a vibrant and inspiring adventure that honors its source material and its audience.
Major Points:
- Australian teen Catherine Laga’aia has been cast as the lead in Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Moana,” with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reprising his role as Maui.
- The cast includes actors from New Zealand: John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala, emphasizing cultural authenticity.
- Catherine Laga’aia highlights her excitement about representing Samoan heritage and inspiring young girls who look like her.
- Thomas Kail, known for his work on “Hamilton,” will direct the film, which is set to start production this summer and release in theaters in July 2026.
- Auli’i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, will serve as an executive producer, helping bridge the animated and live-action versions of the story.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
