Although Disney has released many live-action adaptations of its animated movies, the upcoming “Moana” film marks the first time the company is adapting a relatively recent release. This decision is undoubtedly influenced by the success of the original musical adventure.
The animated picture was a tremendous hit, earning $687.2 million at the box office with a budget of $150 million. It has also remained a favorite on Disney+, consistently topping the charts in every country where the streaming service is available.
Given the mixed reception of past adaptations, producers behind the upcoming project are being particularly careful with the casting. They will bring back Dwayne Johnson as Maui, and now they’ve selected a new actress to play Moana. Here, learn all about her.
Who is Catherine Laga‘aia?
Catherine Laga‘aia is the 17-year-old daughter of the famous New Zealand-Australian actor and singer Jay Laga’aia. Her father is well-known for his role as Captain Typho in “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” and “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.”
Catherine Laga’aia and her family. (Source: @jaylagaaia)
Her mother, Sandie Jane Laga’aia, serves as one of the deputy principals at Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus. Together, the couple has eight children.
Although Catherine was born in Australia, her ancestry is deeply rooted in the cultures that inspired “Moana,” including those from Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, and Tonga. This heritage likely played a significant role in her casting. As the young star herself has said:
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” she stated. “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. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
Catherine Laga‘aia’s filmography
The upcoming young lead of the “Moana” live-action doesn’t have a large filmography yet. In fact, she has only appeared in one production: “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart,” a Prime Video drama series from 2023, where she featured in three episodes.
The show’s protagonist was Sigourney Weaver, who must care for her 9-year-old granddaughter, Alice, after her parents die tragically in a fire. As Alice grows up, she discovers that her family had hidden many secrets that were better left unrevealed.
