The highly anticipated live-action remake of Disney’s Moana is set to sail into theaters on July 10, 2026. Directed by Thomas Kail and produced by an illustrious team including Dwayne Johnson and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the film promises to bring the beloved characters to life in a whole new way. Here’s a detailed guide to the Moana Live Action Cast and Character.
Moana Live Action Cast and Character Guide
Catherine Laga’aia as Moana
Catherine Laga’aia, a 17-year-old native of Sydney, Australia, will be taking on the titular role of Moana. With deep roots in Samoa, Laga’aia is excited to represent Pacific Island peoples and bring authenticity to the character of Moana, the adventurous teenager who sets out on a daring mission to save her people.
Previous Works:
| Work | Year |
|---|---|
| Short Film: “A New Wave” | 2023 |
Dwayne Johnson as Maui
Reprising his role from the animated original, Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, the larger-than-life demigod. Johnson, who also serves as a producer on the film, expressed his deep connection to the character and the cultural significance it holds.
Previous Works:
| Work | Year |
|---|---|
| “Black Adam” | 2022 |
| “Jumanji: The Next Level” | 2019 |
| “Hobbs & Shaw” | 2019 |
| “Moana” (Voice) | 2016 |
John Tui as Chief Tui
John Tui, known for his roles in Young Rock and Hobbs & Shaw, will play Chief Tui, Moana’s no-nonsense father and the leader of Motunui. His character is pivotal in Moana’s journey, embodying the island’s traditions and values.
Previous Works:
| Work | Year |
|---|---|
| “Hobbs & Shaw” | 2019 |
| “Solo: A Star Wars Story” | 2018 |
| “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” | 2014 |
Frankie Adams as Sina
Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams, best known for her work in The Expanse, portrays Sina, Moana’s strong-willed and playful mother. Sina’s character provides a nurturing and supportive presence in Moana’s life, encouraging her daughter’s adventurous spirit.
Previous Works:
| Work | Year |
|---|---|
| “The Expanse” (TV Series) | 2017-2021 |
| “One Thousand Ropes” | 2016 |
| “Shortland Street” (TV Series) | 2010-2014 |
Rena Owen as Gramma Tala
Rena Owen, a veteran actress from Bay of Islands, New Zealand, will take on the role of Gramma Tala, Moana’s revered grandmother. Gramma Tala is the storyteller and spiritual guide who shares the history and myths of their people, playing a crucial role in Moana’s quest.
Previous Works:
| Work | Year |
|---|---|
| “The Dead Lands” (TV Series) | 2020 |
| “Siren” (TV Series) | 2018-2020 |
| “Once Were Warriors” | 1994 |
Additional Production Details
The live-action Moana is being produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions, and Beau Flynn via FlynnPictureCo. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the original songs, will also serve as a producer. Executive producers include Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 film, and Charles Newirth.
The screenplay is penned by Jared Bush, a veteran of Disney Animation, and Dana Ledoux Miller, a Samoan writer known for her work on Netflix’s Thai Cave Rescue and co-founding the Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti.
Also Read: Catherine Laga’aia has been cast as the lead in the live-action Moana movie
