Meet Catherine Laga’aia, The New Face Behind Moana’s Live-Action Voyage

A childhood connection just became a career-defining role. Nineteen-year-old Catherine Laga’aia is stepping into Moana’s shoes for Disney’s live-action adaptation — and her story with the character actually goes back nearly a decade.

Disney’s live-action Moana sails into theatres on July 10, marking the franchise’s third installment and its first-ever live-action outing. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, but the spotlight this time belongs to a newcomer making her feature-film debut.

Moana: Overview

A Role That Found Her at Age Nine

Catherine was just nine years old when the original animated Moana premiered in 2016. Seeing a Pacific Islander heroine on screen who reflected her own heritage left a lasting impression — one that came full circle years later when she landed the lead role herself.

Director Thomas Kail, also making his feature-film debut, revealed that Catherine stood out immediately during casting. He recalled being struck by an undeniable, uncoachable quality in her very first audition tape, submitted when she was only 16.

What’s the Story About?

Moana follows a courageous young woman who leaves her home island of Motunui after answering a mysterious call from the ocean. Alongside the demigod Maui, she navigates dangerous trials and magical encounters, all in pursuit of restoring her people’s wellbeing and uncovering her true purpose.

The film is produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, with music by Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and composer Mark Mancina.

Pacific Islander representation in mainstream cinema has grown significantly in recent years, part of a broader shift documented on Wikipedia’s overview of Pacific Islander Americans and their expanding presence in Hollywood.

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