Catherine Laga'aia is the 17-year-old Australian actress taking on the title role in Disney’s live-action Moana remake. She’s a newcomer with deep Samoan roots and a musical theater background, stepping into the massive shoes left by Auliʻi Cravalho to lead a production that looks to be one of the biggest spectacles of 2026.
TL;DR: Catherine Laga'aia stars as the lead in the live-action Moana (2026), starring alongside Dwayne Johnson who returns as Maui. As the daughter of veteran actor Jay Laga'aia, she brings authentic Pacific Islander heritage and a grounded energy to the role. Based on the production's focus on cultural accuracy, expect this version to be a more physically intense and visually sprawling take on the 2016 animated classic.
If the name sounds familiar to Star Wars fans or parents who grew up with Australian TV, there’s a reason. Catherine is the daughter of Jay Laga'aia—the man who played Captain Typho in the Star Wars prequels and has been a staple on Play School for years.
Catherine is from Sydney, Australia, and beat out thousands of hopefuls in a global casting call. While this is her first major feature film, she isn't coming in cold. She grew up in a household of performers and has a background in musical theater, which is non-negotiable for a role that requires belting out Lin-Manuel Miranda hits while navigating a voyaging canoe.
The most important thing for parents to know is that Catherine’s casting was a deliberate move toward authenticity. She has Samoan heritage (her grandfather was a high chief), and she has spoken openly about how much it matters to represent her culture on a global stage. This isn't just a kid who can sing; she’s a kid who actually knows the weight of the story she’s telling.
The movie is hitting theaters right now, and the buzz is all about the scale. Directed by Thomas Kail (who directed Hamilton on Broadway), this isn't going to be a shot-for-shot carbon copy of the animated film. From the early clips and production stills, it looks like Disney is leaning into the "action" part of live-action.
- Dwayne Johnson is back: Unlike the lead role, Maui isn't being recast. The Rock is back in the tattoos and the hair, playing the demi-god in the flesh. His chemistry with Catherine in the promotional interviews suggests they’ve found that same "grumpy uncle and determined niece" dynamic that made the original work.
- The scale is massive: Shooting in Hawaii and using high-end practical sets means the ocean isn't just a character—it’s a physical reality. For kids who loved the 2016 Moana, seeing the Kakamora or the Te Ka battle in "real" life is going to be a significant jump in intensity.
- The music stays (mostly): The core songs like "How Far I'll Go" and "You're Welcome" are definitely in there. Catherine has the vocal chops to handle them, but expect the arrangements to feel a bit more cinematic and less "pop-radio" than the original soundtrack.
If your house has had the Moana soundtrack on loop for the last decade, you might be wondering why we need a remake so soon. The answer isn't just "Disney likes money" (though, obviously). It's about the transition from a "princess story" to an epic voyage.
Catherine Laga'aia brings a more athletic, grounded presence to the role. In the animated version, Moana is a stylized character; in live-action, she’s a teenager facing the actual elements. This version is expected to land slightly older—it’s great for the elementary school crowd, but it might actually hold the attention of middle schoolers who think they’ve outgrown "cartoons."
If your kids are already fans of the animated films, this is a great chance to talk about how stories change when the medium changes. You can also check out our best movies for kids list to see how the original stacks up against other Disney heavyweights.
When you sit down to watch, or if you're talking about the casting news, here’s a better conversation than just "do you like her voice?"
- Talk about the torch-pass: Auliʻi Cravalho (the original Moana) is an executive producer on this film. She’s been very vocal about wanting a new young woman to have the opportunity to represent the Pacific Islands. Ask your kids why they think it’s important to have a Samoan actress playing a character with that heritage.
- Compare the "feel": After seeing the trailers or the movie, ask: "Does Maui feel scarier when he’s a real person?" or "Does the ocean feel more dangerous?" It helps them process the difference between animated "safe" violence and live-action "realistic" tension.
- The Laga'aia legacy: If they’re curious about Catherine, you can show them clips of her dad on Play School or in Star Wars. It's a cool "family business" story that makes the Hollywood machine feel a little more human.
Q: How old is Catherine Laga'aia? She is 17 years old. She was cast when she was 14, which makes her much closer in age to the character of Moana than a typical Hollywood "teen" casting.
Q: Is the live-action Moana okay for younger kids? It follows the same story as the 2016 Moana, but live-action "peril" always hits a little harder than cartoon peril. If your 5-year-old was scared of Te Ka in the original, the live-action version will be significantly more intense.
Q: Is Auliʻi Cravalho in the live-action Moana? She does not play Moana in this version, but she is an executive producer. She has been a mentor to Catherine throughout the process to ensure the character's spirit stays intact.
Q: Where is Catherine Laga'aia from? She is from Sydney, Australia. Her family is of Samoan descent, specifically from the villages of Fa'ala, Palauli, and Savai'i.
Catherine Laga'aia is a massive talent who seems to actually care about the cultural weight of this role. Whether the movie becomes a permanent fixture in your rotation or just a one-time theater trip, she’s an actress to watch. If your kids are inspired by the voyaging and the adventure, they might also enjoy The Wild Robot or exploring our digital guide for elementary school for more high-adventure picks.
