We’re going to see how far Moana goes on the big screen again — but this time, she’ll be in live-action! Disney is releasing its latest version of Moana in 2026, starring Catherine Laga’aia in the titular role. And fans are ecstatic to see Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reprise his role as Maui.

Catherine was just 17 when she was cast in the highly coveted role of Moana, according to a 2024 press release by the Walt Disney Company.

“My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa,” Catherine said. “I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”

Her father, actor and writer Jay Laga‘aia , couldn’t h

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