Catherine Laga’aia, a 19-year-old actress who has taken on the role of Moana in the new live-action adaptation of the beloved Disney film, recently shared her experiences of recording the film’s new song, “Along the Way.” Speaking at the film’s premiere in Los Angeles, Laga’aia confessed that the process was somewhat nerve-wracking, particularly as she had the unique distinction of being the first to record her vocals for the piece.
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In her conversation with PEOPLE, Laga’aia explained that she recorded her part without hearing the contributions from the original Moana vocalists, Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson. “When I recorded [it], Auli’i and Dwayne both hadn’t recorded it yet. So I was listening to the demo tracks in my ears. The idea that they would hear me sing was very, very nerve-wracking, but also really, really exciting,” she stated.
Despite those nerves, Laga’aia acknowledged the significance of being aligned with Cravalho and Johnson in this cinematic legacy. Describing the experience as “really cool,” she expressed her excitement about being part of a shared journey alongside the established stars. “It means we get to be this together. We’re a part of this together and this is now going to be the three of our legacies that I get to join,” she remarked.
Director Thomas Kail was pivotal in discovering Laga’aia’s talent, having chosen her from thousands of hopefuls vying for the role of Moana. Earlier this month, Kail revealed that he knew she was right for the character almost immediately after meeting her, noting that he could envision her portrayal in just “about 10 seconds.”
Reflecting on her childhood connection to the animated version of Moana, Laga’aia described it as “a perfect movie.” This nostalgia inspired her to embrace advice offered by directors and peers regarding how to bring the role into live-action. “Everyone’s advice was just that it’s going to be something different,” she said. “So there’s no way to match that. You have to do something different. Embracing that and stepping into that with as much ambition and imagination as you can was the best route for us making a live-action remake.”
Support from the previous cast has also played a role in Laga’aia’s journey. Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced the original Moana and now serves as an executive producer for the new film, reached out to Laga’aia soon after she was cast. Cravalho sent her an email stating, “I’m here if you need me,” while also emphasising that the role should be uniquely hers. This encouragement bolstered Laga’aia’s confidence as she stepped into these iconic shoes.
Cravalho has been particularly impressed by Laga’aia’s demeanor while filming, praising her “chutzpah” and self-assuredness. “To be able to stand next to Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson on a canoe and feel cool as a cucumber? Catherine walked in with that kind of energy,” she stated, highlighting Laga’aia’s ability to shine in a high-pressure environment.
The anticipation for the live-action Moana is building as it is set to be released in theatres on July 10. With Laga’aia at the forefront of this new rendition, fans are eager to see how the classic tale is reinterpreted for a new generation. As the film approaches its release date, there is a palpable excitement surrounding Laga’aia’s portrayal and the musical elements being introduced, particularly the new song “Along the Way,” which unites the new and original cast in an important artistic collaboration.
Overall, Laga’aia’s journey into the role of Moana is a testament to her talent and the support she has received from those who paved the way before her. As she embarks on this significant chapter in her career, audiences around the world are ready to embrace both the nostalgia of the original film and the fresh creativity of this new live-action adaptation.