The upcoming live-action Moana has finally found the actor who will portray the iconic titular role. With the live-action Moana set for 2026, the celebrated 2016 movie saw Auli’i Cravahlo voice the heroine, whose desire for adventure beyond her island home sets her on a journey to return a powerful jewel to its rightful owner. Alongside Cravahlo, the movie starred Dwayne Johnson as Maui, an over-confident demigod whose actions long ago set events in motion that could threaten Moana and her people’s way of life.

Disney has just revealed that young actor Catherine Laga‘aia will portray the live-action Moana. Upon being cast as the groundbreaking heroine for a new generation, Laga’aia shared her excitement at playing a character dear to her heart due to both her fondness for the original movie and her family’s Pacific Island connections. Additionally, John Tui will play Moana’s dad, Chief Tui, Frankie Adams will play her mom, Sina, and Rena Owen has been cast as Gramma Tala. Read Laga’aia’s full statement below:

I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites. My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.

Why Isn’t Auli’i Cravahlo Reprising Her Moana Role

Cravahlo Has Good Reason For It

​​​​​​While Johnson is reprising the role of Maui, Cravahlo was quick to rule herself out of returning for the live-action Moana. Her reasons stemmed from wanting to give someone the same opportunity she had to represent the Pacific Island cultures that inspired and are at the heart of Moana‘s story, and expand their presence within the industry. Nevertheless, the star is looking forward to taking on a greater role behind the scenes and helping pave the way for others while creating an authentic representation of Pacific Island cultures.

As such, while Cravahlo may not be bringing her Disney heroine role to live-action, the star is using her new position as an executive producer to fulfill her promise. Not only does Laga‘aia’s attachment to the character prove that she is a perfect actor for the part, but her statement confirms that she and Cravahlo both share the same appreciation for representing Pacific Island culture. With this, it is clear that the original Moana star will ensure the live-action movie provides respectable and uplifting representation that will create a more open industry.

Though the Disney live-action remakes remain a contentious subject, it is evident that Laga’aia, Cravalho, and other creatives behind the new Moana are taking great care in adapting the beloved tale. As the feature focuses on bringing in individuals with a genuine connection to those who inspired it, the movie can uplift many unrepresented voices just as the original did. With Moana, her family, and Maui now cast, the live-action movie draws closer to starting production ahead of its July 2026 release.