Summary
Less than 10 years after the original film’s release, The Walt Disney Company revealed plans for a live-action reimagining ofMoana. Released in 2016 by Walt Disney Animation Studios,Moanabecame Disney’s fourth consecutive animated hit, following the likes ofFrozen,Big Hero 6, andZootopia. In addition to garnering $687.2 million at the worldwide box office,Moanawas nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature. From its lush animation and time-tested Disney formula to Tony Award-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda’s spirited songs,Moanahad the makings of an enduring classic.
Another huge part of the film’s appeal was the star at its center: then-newcomer Auliʻi Cravalho. The voice of the film’s title character,Cravalho brought warmth, daring, and humor to Moana, and awed audiences with her powerhouse singing voice. The rest ofMoana’s cast of characters, which includes Dwayne Johnson’s meddling, shape-shifting demigod Maui, are equally memorable. The story of the strong-willed chief’s daughter, who’s chosen by the ocean to unite the goddess Te Fiti with a mystical totem and save her island, is well-loved — which makesMoana’s live-action recastinga shock to many.
Disney Announced That Newcomer Laga’aia Will Play The Beloved Titular Character In Moana (2026)
Although Dwayne Johnson will reprise the role of Maui in thelive-action remake ofMoana, the film’s title character has officially been recast. When Disney CEO Bob Iger announced the upcoming live-action movie, Cravalho was open about not returning to play the beloved character. Ahead of filming, which will start filming in summer 2024,Disney announced that Catherine Laga‘aia will star opposite Johnson. “I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me,” the actor said in a statement (viaVariety).
Disney’s Moana Remake Breaks Their Live-Action Rules
Disney’s new Moana live-action remake is breaking one of the studio’s biggest rules when it comes to reimagining animated movies that inspire them.
Cravalho, now 23 years old, is significantly older than her character was in the firstMoanafilm.
From Sydney, Australia, the 17-year-old Laga‘aia also shared that Moana is one of her favorite characters, which only makes her more excited about the thrills andchallenges of the live-actionMoanaremake. While Johnson was able to easily reprise the role of the ageless demigod Maui, Cravalho, now 23 years old, is significantly older than her character was in the firstMoanafilm. That said,Disney most likely recast Moana due to that age discrepancy. Since Catherine Laga‘aia is a teenager, she is much closer in age to the animated Moana character.
Moana
Moana is a 2016 animated film from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Set in Ancient Polynesia, the story follows the journey of a young Chieftain’s daughter named Moana as she seeks the demigod Maui to lift a curse affecting her island, exploring themes of adventure and self-discovery.
Moana’s Original Voice Actress Is Still An Executive Producer On Disney’s Live-Action Remake
Auliʻi Cravalho Is Excited To Pass The Torch For The New Moana Movie
AlthoughAuliʻi Cravalho won’t reprise the role of Moanain live-action, fans can look forward to hearing Cravalho as her beloved character in the upcoming animated filmMoana 2. Plus, Cravalho serves as one of thelive-actionMoanaremake’s executive producers, which means the originalMoanaactor will be very much involved in the project. Originally cast as the voice of Moana at just 14 years old,Cravalho will reportedly mentor Laga‘aia as she steps into the spotlight. Previously, Cravalho championed the ever-expandingMoanacinematic universe, adding that she was excited about another generation discovering the character.
Disney’s live-actionMoanahas a targeted release date of July 30, 2025.
In Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Moana,” a young Polynesian girl embarks on a daring voyage to save her people, seeking the demigod Maui’s help to restore the heart of Te Fiti.
