After an in depth search, Disney has discovered the subsequent Moana. Newcomer Catherine Laga‘aia will star because the titular character within the remake of the 2016 hit animated movie. The 17-year-old actor hails from Sydney, Australia, and joins Dwayne Johnson within the characteristic, reprising his function as demigod Maui.
“I’m actually excited to embrace this character as a result of Moana is one in all my favorites,” stated Laga‘aia in an announcement. “My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the principle island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have a chance to have a good time Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to characterize younger ladies who appear to be me.”
Laga‘aia picks up the function from Auli‘i Cravalho, who voice starred within the 2016 unique and can government produce the remake. She is claimed to be mentoring the youthful actor within the function.
She’s additionally becoming a member of the household enterprise. Her father is actor and singer Jay Laga’aia, who performed Captain Typho within the Star Wars prequel films.
Different solid for the Moana remake embody Auckland, New Zealand, actor John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealand actor Frankie Adams as Moana’s mom, Sina; and Rena Owen, who hails from Bay of Islands, New Zealand, as Gramma Tala.
Thomas Kail, director of Broadway’s Hamilton, is on the helm of the characteristic, which bows July 10, 2026. He additionally just lately directed episodes of the Hulu restricted collection We Have been the Fortunate Ones.
Mentioned the filmmaker: “I’m thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John by this casting course of. I’m humbled by this chance, and I can not wait to all be on set collectively. And there’s no higher pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne—really, trio: Heihei is prepared, too.”
Moana is a cornerstone film for Disney, because the 2016 characteristic has been among the many most streamed movies within the U.S. for a number of years. In keeping with Nielsen, it was probably the most considered streaming film of 2023 within the U.S. (It was No. 4 in 2022, and No. 2 in 2021 and 2020). Disney additionally has a separate, animated sequel to Moana due out Nov. 27.
Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia are producing through their Seven Bucks Productions. Beau Flynn is producing through FlynnPictureCo. Moana songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda can be producing after touchdown an Oscar nomination for the tune “How Far I’ll Go.”
This text was initially revealed by The Hollywood Reporter.