The Teaser That’s Got Everyone Talking
The ocean calls again, and Disney’s live-action Moana is answering with a splash. Just days ago, the first teaser trailer dropped, pulling us back into the vibrant world of Polynesian mythology. At the heart of it? A fresh face embodying the wayfinder’s unyielding spirit. Who plays Moana live-action? This remake isn’t just a rehash—it’s a bold sail forward, blending real-world waves with CG magic, set for theaters on July 10, 2026.
Directed by Tony Award-winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton), the film promises stunning visuals that honor Pacific Island cultures while expanding the tale of a chief’s daughter on a quest to restore Te Fiti’s heart. And who plays Moana in the live-action remake? Enter Catherine Lagaʻaia, the 18-year-old Sydney native whose debut has fans buzzing.
Catherine Lagaʻaia’s Roots and Rise
Born in Australia with deep Samoan heritage—her grandfather hails from Fa‘aala, Palauli in Savai‘i, and her grandmother from Leulumoega Tuai on ‘Upolu—Lagaʻaia grew up idolizing Moana. “It’s one of my favorites,” she shared in Disney’s June 2024 announcement, emphasizing the role’s power to celebrate Pacific voices. Now, at 20, she’s stepping into those massive flippers, bringing emotional depth to the character’s wit and wanderlust.
Before this, Lagaʻaia’s screen time was limited but promising: three episodes as “Young Candy” in Prime Video’s The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. Entertainment runs in the family—her father, Jay Lagaʻaia, voiced Captain Typho in Star Wars: Episodes II & III and starred in kids’ shows like The Wiggles and Jay’s Jungle. It’s a legacy of storytelling that feels tailor-made for Disney’s epic.
For more on rising talents with island ties, see our spotlight on Polynesian actors breaking barriers.
Why Auliʻi Cravalho Passed the Torch
Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 original and Moana 2 (2024), made waves in 2023 by stepping aside. “When I was cast at 14, it changed my life,” she posted on Instagram. As executive producer, she championed authentic casting: “I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength.”
Cravalho’s choice sparked vital conversations on representation, paving the way for Lagaʻaia. It’s a bittersweet handoff—check out Cravalho’s full journey in our interview recap with the original Moana voice.
Trailer Breakdown: What Stands Out
The teaser, unveiled this week, clocks in under two minutes but packs a punch. We see Lagaʻaia belting “How Far I’ll Go” atop crashing waves, her voice raw and resonant—echoing Cravalho’s but distinctly her own. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returns as Maui, flexing those tattoos in live-action glory, while producer credits nod to authentic Polynesian consultants.
Filming wrapped earlier this year, blending practical sets in Hawaii and New Zealand with enchanted CG realms. Highlights include:
- Visual Spectacle: Breathtaking hybrid effects that make the ocean feel alive.
- Cultural Depth: Johnson’s Samoan pride shines through, as he told The Hollywood Reporter last year—mirroring Lagaʻaia’s own honor in repping young Pacific girls.
- Soundtrack Tease: Familiar hits with fresh arrangements, plus potential new tracks.
Watch the full teaser here on YouTube and let me know in the comments if it gave you goosebumps like it did me.
What’s Next for the Remake Wave
As Disney ramps up remakes—think Lilo & Stitch on deck—this Moana iteration feels like a turning point. Lagaʻaia’s poised to join icons like Johnson, and with Kail at the helm, expect a musical adventure that sings to the soul. Outbound nod: For cast deets, head to IMDb’s Moana page.
If you’re hyped, pair this with our top Disney musicals ranked. Who’s your dream addition to the cast? Drop it below—I’m cautiously optimistic this sails straight to Oscar nods.
