**Catherine Lagaʻaia Takes on Iconic Role in Disney’s Live-Action ‘Moana’**
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A new star is set to shine in the world of cinema as 19-year-old Samoan-Australian actress Catherine Lagaʻaia prepares to grace the screens as Moana in Disney’s live-action remake of the beloved animation. The much-anticipated film is slated for release on July 10, 2024, and promises to capture the essence of the original 2016 hit while introducing a fresh perspective.
Director Thomas Kail, who has helmed the project, expressed his enthusiasm for Lagaʻaia’s selection. He recalled the moment he met her, stating, “It took about 10 seconds for me to realise she was something special.” He praised her among “thousands of submissions,” acknowledging the remarkable transition from performing-arts high school to leading a movie alongside the legendary Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as Maui.
Catherine reflects on this incredible journey, saying, “Nothing will be as big of a leap as that.” Her upbringing in Sydney was relatively ordinary, with her father, Jay Lagaʻaia, known for his roles in ‘Star Wars’, and her mother, Sandie, an educator. Despite the weight of embodying a cherished Disney character, Catherine was determined to bring her unique flair to the role.
Having grown up adoring the animated Moana, she recognised the responsibility that came with the live-action adaptation. “Everyone’s advice was that it would be something different,” she noted. Embracing this challenge, she applied ambition and imagination to her portrayal, understanding that she could not simply mimic the previous performance but instead create something entirely her own.
Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the first film and acts as an executive producer in the remake, provided support and encouragement during the production. She reached out to Lagaʻaia prior to filming, assuring her, “This is entirely your own.” Additionally, Cravalho admired Lagaʻaia’s confidence as she shared the stage with Dwayne Johnson, describing her as possessing “chutzpah” on set.
The upcoming film brings back cherished plotlines and songs from the original, with contributions from composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who has written a new song for the film titled “Along the Way.” This song features Lagaʻaia, Cravalho, and Johnson and is part of Moana’s journey to restore the heart of the goddess Te Fiti, which was stolen by Johnson’s character.
However, Lagaʻaia’s debut was not without its challenges. She spent time in Hawaii mastering Polynesian dance and wayfinding skills while adapting to the rigours of filming in a chilly water tank in Atlanta. The nature of green-screen filming often made it difficult to visualise her surroundings, leading to moments of heightened awareness about the challenges of filmmaking. “When filming those scenes where there’s nothing to look at,” she recalled, “you start to think, ‘That’s Dwayne Johnson in a wig. Wait, what am I doing?’”
Lagaʻaia credits her “Moana ʻohana,” or family, including co-stars Rena Owen, John Tui, and Frankie Adams, for helping her throughout the process. Their camaraderie provided her with essential support, particularly as she navigated her own learning curve. “They saw me at the very beginning when I truly knew nothing,” she laughed, recounting her early days on set.
As Lagaʻaia prepares for a worldwide press tour kicking off in Hawaii on June 15, she is acutely aware of the significance of her role. A highlight for her is honouring her father’s Samoan heritage while authentically representing the rich Polynesian culture that Moana embodies. She expressed, “My biggest thing was I wanted him to be proud of the legacy that I’m extending for him,” emphasising her commitment to both her family and the cultural narrative.
With just weeks to go before the premiere, excitement is brewing among fans of the original film. Catherine Lagaʻaia’s performance is expected to breathe new life into an already cherished tale, as she embarks on this career-defining role in Disney’s live-action ‘Moana’. The film promises to deliver an inspiring narrative along with memorable music, inviting audiences to once again join Moana on her adventure across the ocean.