The Ultimate Guide To The Moana Cast: Original Voices, Moana 2, And The New Live-Action Stars

The *Moana* franchise is expanding faster than a demigod can shapeshift, making the cast list a dynamic and frequently updated topic. As of December 2025, fans have not one, but two major projects to track: the animated sequel, *Moana 2*, set for release in late 2024, and the highly anticipated live-action adaptation, which is scheduled to hit theaters in 2026. This comprehensive guide breaks down every key actor, from the beloved original voice cast to the newcomers stepping into the iconic roles for the live-action remake, offering the most current and essential information for every fan. The journey of the brave Polynesian princess has captured hearts globally since the original 2016 film. Now, with a sequel and a live-action remake in the works, the casting news is a blend of familiar faces and exciting new talent, all working to bring the rich culture and adventurous spirit of Motunui to life across multiple cinematic formats.

The Original Voices That Sailed a Thousand Miles (2016)

The foundation of the *Moana* phenomenon rests on the shoulders of an incredibly talented voice cast, many of whom have deep Polynesian roots. The chemistry and vocal performance of this original ensemble are what made the 2016 animated musical an instant classic.

Auli'i Cravalho: Moana Waialiki

• Character: Moana, the titular heroine, daughter of Chief Tui and Sina, and the one chosen by the ocean.
• Biography Profile: Chloe Auliʻi Cravalho is an American actress and singer. She was born on November 22, 2000, in Kohala, Hawaii. She is of Native Hawaiian, Puerto Rican, Portuguese, and Chinese descent. *Moana* was her debut film role, for which she was cast at the age of 14. She has since starred in *The Little Mermaid Live!* (2019), the film *Crush* (2022), and the 2024 musical film *Mean Girls*.
• Current Status: She is reprising her role as the voice of Moana in the animated sequel, *Moana 2*, and is serving as an Executive Producer on the 2026 live-action film.

Dwayne Johnson: Maui

• Character: Maui, the legendary demigod of the wind and sea, a shapeshifter, and the Hero of Men and Women.
• Biography Profile: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is an American actor, producer, and former professional wrestler. He was born on May 2, 1972, in Hayward, California, and is of Samoan and Black Nova Scotian descent. His connection to the character of Maui has been a deeply personal one, bringing him closer to his Polynesian culture.
• Current Status: Johnson is the only actor confirmed to reprise his role in both the animated sequel, *Moana 2*, and the live-action remake, where he will also serve as a producer.

Key Supporting Cast of the Original Film

The original film's success was also due to the powerful performances of its supporting cast, many of whom are celebrated Polynesian actors:

• Rachel House: Gramma Tala (Moana's wise and spiritual grandmother).
• Temuera Morrison: Chief Tui (Moana's overprotective but loving father).
• Nicole Scherzinger: Sina (Moana's supportive and empathetic mother).
• Jemaine Clement: Tamatoa (The giant, greedy coconut crab).

Moana 2: The Returning Crew for the Next Animated Adventure (2024)

The announcement of *Moana 2* was a surprise to many, revealing a new animated feature that continues the story of Moana and Maui three years after their initial adventure. This sequel focuses on the returning core voice cast to maintain continuity.

The animated sequel is scheduled for a theatrical release on November 27, 2024.

The Confirmed Moana 2 Voice Cast

The primary voice actors from the 2016 film are confirmed to return, ensuring the beloved character dynamics remain intact:

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• Auli'i Cravalho as Moana.
• Dwayne Johnson as Maui.
• Nicole Scherzinger as Sina (Moana's mother).
• Other returning voices include Rachel House as Gramma Tala and Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui.

Meet the New Stars of the Live-Action Moana (2026)

The live-action adaptation is the most recent and exciting piece of casting news, introducing a talented new group of actors to the roles, with one notable exception. The film is set to premiere on July 10, 2026.

Catherine Laga'aia: The New Live-Action Moana

The biggest news was the casting of newcomer Catherine Laga'aia in the title role.

• Role: Live-Action Moana.
• Background: Laga'aia is a young actress from Sydney, Australia, with a family heritage rooted in Samoa. Her casting continues the tradition of featuring actors with strong Polynesian connections in the franchise.
• Significance: Her selection follows Auli'i Cravalho's decision not to reprise the role in the live-action version but to remain involved as an Executive Producer, ensuring the new Moana carries the spirit of the original.

Dwayne Johnson: Reprising Maui in Live-Action

Dwayne Johnson is the bridge between all three *Moana* projects, reprising his iconic role as the demigod Maui for the live-action film. His physical presence and deep connection to the character make his return a cornerstone of the remake.

The Confirmed Live-Action Supporting Cast

Several other key roles have been cast with actors whose roots align with the film's cultural setting:

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• John Tui as Chief Tui (Moana's father). Tui is a New Zealand actor of Tongan descent.
• Frankie Adams as Sina (Moana's mother). Adams is a Samoan New Zealand actress, known for her roles in *The Expanse*.
• The role of the beloved Gramma Tala is yet to be officially announced, but fans are eagerly awaiting news on who will fill the shoes of Rachel House.

Beyond the Reef: Where Are the Original Stars Now?

The success of *Moana* launched its stars into new career ventures, proving their talent extends far beyond the animated world.

Auli'i Cravalho's Post-Moana Career

Since her debut, Auli'i Cravalho has intentionally branched out to showcase her versatility. Her recent projects highlight her growth as a performer:

• Broadway: She made her Broadway debut in the revival of *Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club*.
• Film: She starred as Janice in the 2024 musical movie *Mean Girls*, a role that showcased her comedic and vocal talents.
• Executive Producer Role: Her decision to transition to an executive producer role for the live-action *Moana* demonstrates her commitment to ensuring the cultural authenticity of the film while passing the torch to a new, young Polynesian actress.

Dwayne Johnson's Enduring Legacy

Dwayne Johnson continues to be one of Hollywood's busiest actors, but his connection to Maui remains strong. He has often spoken about how the role has deepened his understanding and pride in his Samoan heritage. His commitment to producing and starring in the live-action version underscores his personal investment in the *Moana* story and its message of cultural representation.

Topical Authority: The Polynesian Representation in Casting

A key element that distinguishes the *Moana* franchise is its dedication to authentic cultural casting. The majority of the original voice cast members are of Polynesian descent, including Hawaiian, Samoan, Māori, and Tokelauan heritage. This commitment has been carried forward into the live-action adaptation, with the casting of Samoan-Australian Catherine Laga'aia, Tongan-New Zealander John Tui, and Samoan-New Zealander Frankie Adams. This focus ensures that the film's themes, language, and cultural nuances are handled with respect and genuine understanding by people from the cultures being represented. This dedication to authentic representation is a major reason for the franchise's enduring popularity and critical acclaim.

The Future of the Moana Franchise

The journey for Moana and Maui is far from over. With the animated sequel, *Moana 2*, premiering in November 2024, and the live-action film, *Moana* (2026), following shortly after, the franchise is poised to dominate the box office for the next few years. The blend of the original voice talents, the introduction of new live-action stars like Catherine Laga'aia, and the consistent presence of Dwayne Johnson ensures that the spirit of adventure, family, and cultural pride will continue to inspire new generations of fans across the globe.