The highly anticipated live-action remake of Disneyâs 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. Hereâs a detailed guide to the Moana Live Action Cast and Character.
Moana Live Action Cast and Character Guide
Catherine Lagaâaia as Moana
Catherine Lagaâaia, a 17-year-old native of Sydney, Australia, will be taking on the titular role of Moana. With deep roots in Samoa, Lagaâaia 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 peopleââ.
Previous Works:
| Work | Year |
|---|---|
| Short Film: âA New Waveâ | 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 holdsâ.
Previous Works:
| Work | Year |
|---|---|
| âBlack Adamâ | 2022 |
| âJumanji: The Next Levelâ | 2019 |
| âHobbs & Shawâ | 2019 |
| âMoanaâ (Voice) | 2016 |
John Tui as Chief Tui
John Tui, known for his roles in Young Rock and Hobbs & Shaw, will play Chief Tui, Moanaâs no-nonsense father and the leader of Motunui. His character is pivotal in Moanaâs journey, embodying the islandâs traditions and valuesâ.
Previous Works:
| Work | Year |
|---|---|
| âHobbs & Shawâ | 2019 |
| âSolo: A Star Wars Storyâ | 2018 |
| âThe Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armiesâ | 2014 |
Frankie Adams as Sina
Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams, best known for her work in The Expanse, portrays Sina, Moanaâs strong-willed and playful mother. Sinaâs character provides a nurturing and supportive presence in Moanaâs life, encouraging her daughterâs adventurous spiritâ.
Previous Works:
| Work | Year |
|---|---|
| âThe Expanseâ (TV Series) | 2017-2021 |
| âOne Thousand Ropesâ | 2016 |
| âShortland Streetâ (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, Moanaâs revered grandmother. Gramma Tala is the storyteller and spiritual guide who shares the history and myths of their people, playing a crucial role in Moanaâs questâ.
Previous Works:
| Work | Year |
|---|---|
| âThe Dead Landsâ (TV Series) | 2020 |
| âSirenâ (TV Series) | 2018-2020 |
| âOnce Were Warriorsâ | 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 Auliâi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 film, and Charles Newirthââ.
The screenplay is penned by Jared Bush, a veteran of Disney Animation, and Dana Ledoux Miller, a Samoan writer known for her work on Netflixâs Thai Cave Rescue and co-founding the Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti.
Also Read: Catherine Lagaâaia has been cast as the lead in the live-action Moana movie
