Disney has announced the casting of Catherine Laga‘aia in the lead role of the live-action Moana movie, set to be released in 2026. The 17-year-old Sydney, Australia native is excited to embrace the character of Moana, as she has ties to Samoa and hopes to represent Pacific Island peoples and young girls who look like her. Joining her in the cast are New Zealander John Tui as Chief Tui, Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams as Moana's mother Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. Dwayne Johnson will reprise his role as Maui in the sequel. Directed by Thomas Kail, the film will feature original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and is produced by Seven Bucks Productions and FlynnPictureCo. With filming set for this summer, Moana promises to be a celebration of Pacific Island culture and empowerment.