Catherine Lagaʻaia, the 19-year-old actress who plays Moana in Disney’s live-action remake, reflects on her upbringing in Sydney, likening it to the Polynesian island of Motunui, where her character grows up. With the film set to release on July 10, the actress shared insights into her journey from a “normal, run-of-the-mill teenage life” to stepping into the role of a beloved Disney heroine.
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Speaking with PEOPLE, Lagaʻaia described her formative years as akin to living in a “little bubble” in Australia, marveling at the challenges of reaching and leaving the isolated setting. “It’s so hard to get there and then once you’re there, it’s so hard to leave again, because we’re just so far away from everything,” she explained. This sentiment resonates deeply with the narrative of Moana, who embarks on a daring journey beyond her island to save her people.
Catherine’s casting in this major role is noteworthy, as she emerged from a competitive pool of thousands of actors. The remake, directed by Thomas Kail, also features Dwayne Johnson portraying Maui, the demigod from the original 2016 animated film. Lagaʻaia reflects on her unexpected transformation from a typical teen to a central character in an iconic story.
Growing up in a large family, Lagaʻaia shared that her childhood bears similarities to that of Moana. “I’m one of eight; I have seven other siblings,” she noted. This bustling household felt much like a real-life Motunui, with lively chaos around them. “All you want when you’re in a group of siblings that large is your own thing. You want to be the best in something,” she added, showcasing the shared experiences of family life.
In a world where individual identity can sometimes be overshadowed by the collective, Lagaʻaia found solace in her passion for acting. “When I found acting and when I found Moana, I was like, ‘Okay, I’ve got my thing now,’” she stated. This role not only serves as a personal milestone but also allows her to connect with her siblings in a deeper manner.
Having graduated from Sydney’s Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, Lagaʻaia is also following in the footsteps of her father, Jay Lagaʻaia, a seasoned actor with roles in significant productions, including the Star Wars franchise. “I wanted to do the OG proud,” she explained, referencing her desire to honour the legacy of her father, as well as the original film.
As for the film’s highly celebrated score, it features music by renowned composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, contributing to the enchanting atmosphere that defines the Moana narrative. With costars Rena Owen, John Tui, and Frankie Adams, the film aims to captivate both new audiences and long-time fans.
Set to grace theatres with its enchanting storytelling and rich cultural narrative, the live-action Moana is poised to become a cinematic event. Lagaʻaia’s journey resonates as one of both personal discovery and artistic expression, embodying the adventurous spirit of her character while honouring her roots.
As audiences prepare to experience this new adaptation, Catherine Lagaʻaia’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of how stories can connect beautifully across generations and experiences, a testament to the timelessness of Disney’s storytelling.