The casting for the live-action film adaption of Moana (2016) is taking shape.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, the man who voiced the role of Maui in the fully animated Moana (2016), took to his Instagram page to show fans some of the actors who are now set to bring their characters to life.
‘Exciting and inspiring casting news as we begin to bring together our live action MOANA family,’ Johnson wrote in the post featuring headshots of the cast alongside their animated characters.
The first images reveal Catherine Laga’aia, 17, as the young actress who will play the titular Polynesian heroine, Moana. The Sydney, Australia native is a relative unknown with Samoan heritage, according to The Independent.
Rounding out the new cast members: John Tui, 49, who play her dad Chief Tui, Frankie Adams, 30, portrays her mom Sina, while Rena Owen, 61, takes on the Gramma Tala character.
After listing the four actors added to the cast, Johnson reminded fans that he’s also part of the cast, writing, ‘And yours truly, as the demigod ~ MAUI.’
The Hollywood leading man added, ‘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.’
He went on to announce that production on the live-action Moana is set to begin in August, and that #MOANALiveAction is scheduled to premiere in theaters July 10, 2026!
Rounding out the post, Johnson reminded people that Thomas Kail will be directing the live-action version, and that famed Broadway star Lin Manuel Miranda is doing the music for the movie.
Kail is working from a screenplay by Jared Bush, who served as the writer of the fully animated Moana (2016), which went on to become a smash hit with fans, grossing $687.2 million while working with a $150-175 million budget.
Moana is a passion project of sorts for The Rock, considering he has Samoan citizenship due to his mother being Samoan, according to IMDb.
‘This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul,’ he said of Moana.
‘There is no better world for us to honor the story of our people, our passion and our purpose than through the realm of music and dance, which is at the core of who we are as Polynesian people.’
Sean Bailey, Disney Live Action’s president of production, recognized that only seven years had passed since the animated Moana film was released, but took into account that the celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary contributed to the decision to remake the film so soon.
Johnsons’ post comes as the full animated sequel, Moana 2, moves forward with its production that is being written and directed by Dave G. Derrick Jr.
Auliʻi Cravalho , 23, is reprising the titular voice role of Moana for the second installment of the animated version.
Moana 2 is scheduled to premiere in theaters on November 27, 2024.
