Disney is officially bringing Moana back to the big screen — not as an animated classic, but as a full-fledged live-action adventure hitting theatres on July 10, 2026. Fans are hyped to see newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia step into the role of Moana, while Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returns as Maui, the character he made iconic.
Catherine Laga‘aia: The 17-Year-Old Chosen to Lead the Wave
When Disney announced Catherine — then just 17 — as Moana, reactions were overwhelmingly positive. In a 2024 Walt Disney Company press release, she opened up about her Samoan roots:
“I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
Her father, actor-writer Jay Laga‘aia, couldn’t contain his pride, celebrating on Instagram and revealing the full cast lineup joining his daughter.
A Pacific-Led Cast Bringing the World of Moana to Life
The ensemble includes:
- Catherine Laga‘aia as Moana
- Dwayne Johnson as Maui
- John Tui as Chief Tui
- Frankie Adams as Sina
- Rena Owen as Gramma Tala
All hailing from Pacific Island backgrounds, the cast reflects the cultural authenticity fans have always cherished in the Moana universe.
Where Can Fans Watch It?
The live-action film will debut exclusively in theaters, with a Disney+ release coming after its theatrical window. Until then, fans can stream the animated Moana and Moana 2 on Disney+.
Final Words
With a culturally rich cast, emotional storytelling, and the return of fan-favorite Maui, the 2026 live-action Moana is shaping up to be one of Disney’s biggest global releases. Catherine Laga‘aia’s casting signals a fresh chapter for the franchise — one grounded in authenticity, representation, and heartfelt Pacific Island pride.
