Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has excitedly updated fans about the “exciting and inspiring” live-action adaptation of Disney’s ‘Moana’.
The 52 year old Hollywood heavyweight, who lent his voice to the character Maui in the original 2016 animated hit, is set to reprise his role in the flesh for the upcoming movie. He took to Instagram to announce the casting news with palpable enthusiasm.
Johnson’s post read: “Exciting and inspiring casting news as we begin to bring together our Live Action MOANA Family.” He revealed the cast, saying: “CATHERINE LAGA’AIA AS MOANA, @JohnTui1 AS CHEIF TUI, @FrankieAdams AS SINA, @RenaOwen AS GRAMMA TALA. And yours truly, as the demigod MAUI”.
The star expressed his pride in sharing Polynesian culture: “It’s our deepest honor to share the legends, songs, dances and traditions of our Polynesian culture with all of you and your families around the world. Production begins this August.”
He also dropped the release date and creative team behind the project: “#MOANALiveAction In theaters JULY 10, 2026! Directed by Thomas Kail. Music by Lin Manuel Miranda.”
Disney has confirmed that Catherine Laga’aia, a 17 year old actress with Samoan heritage, will be taking on the lead role, embarking on an epic journey just like her animated counterpart.
Laga’aia shared her excitement: “I’m really excited to embrace this character.” She added a personal touch, referencing her Samoan lineage: “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.”
New Zealander John Tui is set to take on the role of Moana’s “no-nonsense” dad, Chief Tui, while Samoan-New Zealand star Frankie Adams will be playing her “playful and strong-willed” mum, Sina. Rena Owen, from Bay of Islands in New Zealand, has been cast as the “revered” Gramma Tala.
The press release added: “Moana will bring to life in a whole new way the story of a young woman eager to pave her own path. Celebrating the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders in a spectacular adventure, the production begins filming this summer. “.
Director Thomas Kail expressed his excitement, saying: “I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John through this casting process.” He continued: “I am humbled by this opportunity, and I cannot wait to all be on set together.”
Kail also quipped about the film’s leads: ‘And there’s no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne – actually, trio: Heihei is ready, too. ‘””.
