Catherine Laga'aia, a 17-year-old Australian actress of Samoan heritage, has been cast as the lead role of Moana in Disney's upcoming live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated film. Dwayne Johnson will reprise his voice role as the demigod Maui in the live-action remake.
The live-action "Moana" remake aims to celebrate Pacific Islander cultures, with Laga'aia's Samoan heritage being a key factor in her casting. Auli'i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, will serve as an executive producer for the live-action adaptation.
The supporting cast includes John Tui as Moana's father, Frankie Adams as her mother, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.
The live-action remake features a representative cast of Pacific Islander actors, including Te Kohe Tuhaka, who has previously worked with Dwayne Johnson on productions like "Hobbs & Shaw" and "Young Rock."
A sequel, "Moana 2," is also set for release on November 27, 2024.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: CNN, Times of India, ABC, USA Today, Daily Mail, Philstar Life, Cinema Express, and Bem Parana.
Shirit Gal's interview with Ron Clements and John John Musker, the creators of the film Moana, 2016
