How Far She’ll Go: Meet Catherine Laga’aia, the 18-Year-Old Making Her Film Debut as Moana
In a moment that feels both inevitable and electrifying, Disney has finally unveiled its first glimpse of the live-action Moana, and darlings, the teaser is nothing short of breathtaking. The studio’s latest reimagining introduces us to Catherine Laga’aia, an 18-year-old Australian ingénue who embodies the spirit of our beloved wayfinder with a grace that feels both authentic and utterly magnetic.
The teaser—a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling—features Laga’aia delivering a soul-stirring rendition of “How Far I’ll Go,” the anthem that captured hearts worldwide when the animated film debuted in 2016. But this is no mere recreation. Laga’aia brings a raw, lived-in quality to the performance that speaks to something deeper: representation that matters, authenticity that resonates.
What makes this casting particularly poignant is Laga’aia’s profound connection to the story she’s telling. The Sydney native carries Samoan heritage through both grandparents—her grandfather hailing from Fa’aala, Palauli, in Savai’i, and her grandmother from Leulumoega Tuai on ‘Upolu. In her own words, she’s “honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.” It’s the kind of statement that transcends Hollywood soundbites and touches something real.
This marks Laga’aia’s feature film debut—a rather extraordinary launch pad for any actress. Before securing the role at just 17, she appeared in three episodes of Prime Video’s The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, playing Young Candy. The entertainment industry runs in her blood; her father, Jay Laga’aia, carved out his own impressive career with roles in Star Wars: Episode II and III, plus beloved Australian series like The Wiggles and Home and Away.
The project reunites Dwayne Johnson with his animated counterpart as the demigod Maui, a role the Samoan-heritage actor is both reprising and producing. Johnson has been vocal about the cultural significance of authentic Pacific Islander representation onscreen—a commitment that clearly extends to every corner of this production.
Perhaps most touching is AuliÊ»i Cravalho’s graceful passing of the torch. The original Moana, who was just 14 when cast and returned for 2024’s Moana 2, serves as executive producer on the live-action adaptation. In a May 2023 Instagram video, Cravalho articulated what so many of us instinctively understand: “I believe it is absolutely vital that the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.” It’s a reminder that true artistry knows when to step back and champion the next generation.
The live-action Moana sets sail into theaters July 10, 2026, and if this teaser is any indication, we’re in for something genuinely special—a film that honors its animated predecessor while charting its own course across uncharted waters.
