This Aussie Teen Will Play Moana in Disney’s Live-Action

She’s only 17-years old and she’s already a star ⭐

Disney have announced their new star of the Moana live-action remake, and she’s a 17-year old from down under!

Catherine Laga’aia from Sydney Australia will be the one voyaging to Motonui as the adventurous (yet slightly rebellious) main star.

She’s got some iconic family members. You might know her dad Jay Laga’aia from Play School and Star Wars Attack of the Clones and Star Wars Revenge of the Sith.

The cast will also star Kiwi John Tui as Moana’s father Chief Tui, Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother, and Rena Owens from Bay of Islands, New Zealand as Gramma Tala.

And Dwayne Johnson will be returning in his role as Maui.

Catherine said she was excited to represent her own heritage through the character of Moana.

“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favourites,” she said.

“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.”

When can we watch Moana?

Production is only kicking off later this year, which means we will be waiting a while for a release date.

Disney confirmed the film will be released in Aussie cinemas 9 July 2026. However, Moana 2 will be in cinemas this year, 28 November!

Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote some of the original songs, will also serve as producer. While Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 film will serve as an executive producer.

 Header image: Disney.