Disney released its live-action adaptation of Moana on July 10, 2026, starring Australian actor Catherine Laga’aia in the title role and Dwayne Johnson reprising his voice role as Maui. Directed by Thomas Kail, the film marks Laga’aia’s feature film debut and a major push by Disney into live-action remakes of beloved animated properties.

Catherine Laga’aia: A New Star

Catherine “Katie” Laga’aia, born December 17, 2006, is of Samoan and English descent. She beat more than 32,000 hopefuls for the role. In 2025, she graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art with a diploma in Stage and Screen Performance before immediately stepping into the lead of a major studio film.

Critics praised her performance despite mixed reviews of the overall film. Laga’aia brought emotional depth and agency to Moana, playing a princess who needs no prince to find her identity or purpose.

The Adaptation

Thomas Kail directed from a script by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. Dwayne Johnson returned as the voice of Maui, bridging the original animated film (2016) and this new live-action version. The production invested heavily in capturing Polynesian culture and heritage on screen.

Critical Reception

The film itself drew divided reviews, but Laga’aia emerged as a standout. She carried the emotional weight of the story and gave audiences reason to invest in Moana’s journey beyond nostalgia for the animated version.

Laga’aia’s debut proves Disney’s casting instincts can outweigh a mixed script.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)

Is the live-action Moana singing the same songs as the animated version?

Yes. The live-action film retains Lin-Manuel Miranda’s original songs from the 2016 animated film, plus new material composed for the adaptation. Laga’aia performs the songs herself.

References

Wikipedia (2026). Moana (2026 film).

Hollywood Reporter (2026). ‘Moana’ Review: Captivating Newcomer Catherine Laga’aia and a Game Dwayne Johnson Invigorate One of Disney’s Better Live-Action Remakes.

Biography (2026). Who Is Playing Moana? All About Teenage Actor Catherine Laga’aia.