The New Va'a: Meet The 5 Stars Of The Moana Live-Action Cast—Biographies, Roles, And Release Date Updates

The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Disney's *Moana* is setting sail with a new, deeply authentic cast, confirming a commitment to Polynesian representation on the global stage. As of today, December 18, 2025, the full main cast has been officially announced, featuring a mix of exciting new talent and a returning Hollywood icon, all bringing their own unique connection to the rich cultures of Oceania. This article dives deep into the confirmed stars, their impressive backgrounds, and the latest production details for the 2026 cinematic event. The selection process for the live-action *Moana* was rigorous, focusing on finding actors who not only possess the talent but also the genuine cultural heritage to honor the story of the adventurous wayfinder. The film, which is slated for a July 10, 2026, release, promises to be a vibrant and respectful retelling of the animated classic, guided by an all-star creative team.

The Confirmed Main Cast: A Deep Dive into Their Profiles and Roles

The live-action *Moana* cast is a powerful ensemble of Polynesian and Māori talent, ensuring the film remains true to its cultural roots. Here is a detailed look at the five main actors bringing the beloved characters of Motunui to life.

Catherine Laga'aia as Moana

• Role: Moana Waialiki, the titular heroine and adventurous daughter of the Chief.
• Nationality: Australian, with Samoan heritage.
• Age: 18 years old (at the time of casting announcement).
• Key Career Highlights: Laga'aia is a relative newcomer to Hollywood, making her casting a major breakout role. Her previous notable credit was a recurring role as Young Candy in the Prime Video series *The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart*.
• Family Connection: She is the daughter of prominent New Zealand-born Samoan actor and musician Jay Laga'aia, known for his roles in *Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones* and *Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith* (as Captain Typho).
• Significance: Her casting reinforces Disney's commitment to finding a young, authentic voice to embody the spirit of the determined wayfinder, a choice celebrated by fans and the film's original star, Auliʻi Cravalho.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Maui

• Role: Maui, the demigod of the wind and sea, and master shapeshifter.
• Nationality: American, with Samoan heritage.
• Key Career Highlights: Johnson is one of the world's highest-paid actors, known for blockbuster franchises like *Fast & Furious*, *Jumanji*, and *Black Adam*. He is a former professional wrestler (The Rock in WWE).
• Reprising the Role: Johnson is the only original voice actor from the 2016 animated film to return for his live-action role. His deep connection to the character and the mythology, stemming from his own Polynesian roots, was a driving force behind the live-action project.
• Producer Role: In addition to starring, Johnson is also serving as a producer on the film through his company, Seven Bucks Productions, ensuring a hands-on approach to the cultural storytelling.

John Tui as Chief Tui

• Role: Chief Tui, Moana's overprotective but loving father, the leader of Motunui.
• Nationality: New Zealander of Tongan descent.
• Key Career Highlights: Tui is a veteran actor known for his work in both television and film. He is recognizable to many as Anubis "Doggie" Cruger/S.P.D. Shadow Ranger in *Power Rangers S.P.D.* His film credits include roles in major franchises such as Bolg in *The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies* and Kal Hobbs in *Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw*.
• Significance: Tui's casting as the strong, steadfast chief provides a powerful, established presence in the father figure role.

Frankie Adams as Sina

• Role: Sina, Moana's supportive and strong-willed mother.
• Nationality: Samoan-New Zealander.
• Key Career Highlights: Adams is internationally recognized for her main role as Martian Marine Roberta "Bobbie" Draper in the critically acclaimed science fiction series *The Expanse*. She also had a long-running role as Ula Levi on the New Zealand soap opera *Shortland Street*.
• Significance: Her casting as Sina, the character who balances Chief Tui's caution with Moana's adventurous spirit, brings a beloved Pacific Islander actress to a key maternal role.

Rena Owen as Gramma Tala

• Role: Gramma Tala, Moana's eccentric and wise grandmother, the village storyteller and spiritual guide.
• Nationality: New Zealander of Māori descent.
• Key Career Highlights: Owen is a highly respected, award-winning actress. She is best known for her iconic and powerful performance as Beth Heke in the landmark New Zealand film *Once Were Warriors* (1994). Her extensive filmography includes roles in *Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones* and the TV series *Siren*.
• Significance: Owen’s casting is a major coup, bringing a legendary figure of Māori cinema to the heart of the film's spiritual and cultural narrative.

Why the Moana Live-Action Casting is a Milestone for Oceania Representation

The casting choices for the *Moana* live-action film are more than just filling roles; they represent a significant cultural moment for the film industry. The deliberate effort to cast actors with authentic Polynesian and Māori heritage—from Samoan to Tongan to Māori—is a powerful statement on cultural integrity. This focus on authentic Oceania casting ensures that the film's portrayal of Polynesian mythology, customs, and the wayfinding tradition is handled with the utmost respect and knowledge. The original animated film was praised for its cultural consultation, and the live-action version appears determined to deepen that commitment. Having actors like Rena Owen, a celebrated Māori artist, and John Tui, a Tongan New Zealander, in key elder roles adds layers of topical authority and cultural depth that resonate far beyond the screen. The presence of Dwayne Johnson, a co-producer with deep Samoan roots, has been instrumental in guiding this authentic approach. His personal investment ensures that the story of Maui, the trickster demigod, is treated with the reverence it deserves within the context of the Pacific Islands.

The Creative Team and Production Details You Need to Know

Beyond the stellar main cast, the creative minds behind the camera are equally impressive, promising a high-quality production that honors the animated classic while bringing a fresh perspective.

The Director and Writers

The film is being directed by Thomas Kail, a renowned name in theater and film, best known for directing the original Broadway production of *Hamilton*. Kail’s experience with musical storytelling and grand-scale production is a perfect fit for the vibrant world of *Moana*.

The screenplay is being written by Jared Bush, who penned the script for the original 2016 animated film, alongside Dana Ledoux Miller. Bush's return ensures continuity with the core story, while Miller's involvement brings a fresh voice to the adaptation process.

Auliʻi Cravalho's New Role

While Auliʻi Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, will not be reprising the lead role, she remains a vital part of the project. Cravalho is serving as an Executive Producer, a role she took on to mentor the new lead and ensure the cultural authenticity of the film remains paramount. This transition, which she announced herself, was a conscious decision to pass the torch to a new generation of Pacific Islander talent, further cementing the film's legacy.

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The Release Date and Production Timeline

The live-action *Moana* is scheduled to premiere in theaters on July 10, 2026. The announcement of the full cast, along with the release of the first teaser, has generated massive buzz, with the trailer reportedly breaking Disney records. This anticipation highlights the global excitement for the film, which is poised to be one of the biggest releases of the summer movie season in 2026.

The Impact of the Moana Live-Action Remake

The live-action *Moana* is not just another Disney remake; it is a cultural event. The deliberate choice of an all-Oceania cast, from the newcomer Catherine Laga'aia to the veteran Rena Owen, signals a powerful shift in representation in mainstream Hollywood. The film’s success will undoubtedly open doors for more Pacific Islander actors, writers, and filmmakers, extending the legacy of Moana beyond a single animated feature. Fans are eagerly awaiting the film to see how the magic of Motunui, the iconic songs, and the legendary journey of Moana and Maui translate into live-action, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.