In an exciting revelation for fans of Disney’s beloved animated character Moana, Auli’i Cravalho recently spoke about the vibrant connection she shares with Catherine Laga’aia, who portrays Moana in the live-action remake. Cravalho, known for voicing Moana in the original 2016 film and set to reprise her role in its upcoming sequel, highlighted the impact and significance of Laga’aia’s casting in a conversation with PEOPLE magazine.
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As Cravalho reflected on the audition process for the live-action adaptation, she expressed her immediate admiration for Laga’aia’s audition tape, stating it truly “stood out” among the many submissions. “Catherine just had that spirit,” said the 25-year-old actress. Describing Laga’aia, she added, “She is kind, she is brave, she is beautiful,” praising her for embodying the essence of Moana from the outset. Cravalho’s enthusiasm was evident as she looked forward to seeing Laga’aia shine in her feature debut.
Laga’aia, a 19-year-old Australian actress, was cast from a pool of thousands to step into the role of the young chieftess, a pivotal character in the Disney franchise. The live-action remake, which premiered in UK cinemas on July 10, adds a new dimension to the story that captivated audiences five years ago. Cravalho, who took on the role of executive producer for this project, underscored the significance of the bond formed between the two actresses.
“Our connection through Moana is special,” Cravalho remarked, highlighting the ‘sisterhood’ that has emerged from sharing this powerful character. As both actresses come from diverse Pacific Island backgrounds—Cravalho hailing from Hawaii and Laga’aia representing both Australia and Samoa—they see their portrayal of Moana as an expansive representation of the ‘Moana ‘ohana’ (family). “It’s really nice to share that with someone,” Cravalho noted, reflecting on their enriched bond.
In her role as executive producer, Cravalho has embraced the opportunity to delve deeper into the filmmaking process, allowing her to appreciate the numerous efforts behind the scenes that contribute to a successful production. “There are so many invisible hands that made this dream come true,” she stated, appreciating the collaborative nature of film-making while also valuing her involvement in meetings and discussions with the movie’s cultural advisory team.
Prior to their first meeting on set, Cravalho extended her support to Laga’aia in an email, which expressed her willingness to assist but also emphasised that the film ultimately belonged to Laga’aia. “This is your film,” Cravalho wrote, showcasing her commitment to empowering the new actress. The touching sentiment laid the groundwork for a nurturing professional relationship between the two, which blossomed during pre-production when they first met in person.
Recalling the moment they crossed paths on set, Laga’aia recounted hearing Cravalho’s iconic voice in the background and initially mistaking it for the animated film playing nearby. “I heard a voice in the background… I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, someone’s playing the movie,’” she reminisced, revealing that the voice belonged to none other than her predecessor. This unexpected encounter was a poignant moment for Laga’aia, who expressed gratitude for being able to connect with the actress who has long been associated with the character.
As filming progressed, Cravalho observed Laga’aia’s commanding presence on set and was struck by her confidence. Speaking of a scene in which they shared the screen alongside Dwayne Johnson, Cravalho noted, “Catherine walked in with that kind of energy,” highlighting her sense of ease in performing alongside such prominent actors. Cravalho’s praises indicate that she is not only confident in Laga’aia’s ability to carry the character forward, but also excited for audiences to witness the new interpretation of Moana’s story.
The anticipation surrounding the new Moana film is palpable as it continues to capture audiences in cinemas, filling hearts with nostalgia while introducing a new generation to a story that means so much to many. As Auli’i Cravalho and Catherine Laga’aia embody the essence of Moana, their shared experiences will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, both on-screen and off.