Catherine Laga’aia’s family react to her being cast as Moana in the live-action Disney classic
Catherine Laga’aia’s family had a heartwarming response when the Sydney actress was cast as the live-action Moana in the upcoming Disney production.
In a candid TikTok video posted by Catherine’s older sister Jessie, the rising star can be seen running and hugging her sibling after the exciting announcement.
‘I am the proudest big sister in the whole world. Just the beginning,” Jessie captioned the video.
Several fans also expressed their joy over the news in the comments.
“So proud of her,” one user wrote. Now I’m excited to see Moana in live action when it comes out!! We’re rooting for her!!’
Catherine Laga’aia’s family reacted heartwarmingly when the Sydney actress was cast as the live-action Moana for the upcoming Disney production
‘I can not wait! Congratulations, Catherine!’ added another.
‘Honestly perfect casting!!! Aroha to you Catherine!!!’ someone else commented.
Catherine will play Moana, originally voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, in the upcoming live-action Disney film.
The 17-year-old will star alongside American wrestler and actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as she “celebrates Samoa and all the peoples of the Pacific Islands.”
Plus, the budding movie star will make her father, Home and Away actor Jay Laga’aia, proud as she follows in his footsteps.
“I am very excited to embrace this character as Moana is one of my favorites,” Catherine said in a statement on Thursday.
Sydney-based actress Catherine Laga’aia, 17, (left) will play Moana, originally voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, in the titular upcoming live-action Disney film (right)
The young actor will star alongside American wrestler Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, 52, (pictured) as they ‘celebrate Samoa and all the peoples of the Pacific Islands’
“My grandfather is from Fa’aala, Palauli, in Savai’i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of Upolu in Samoa.”
She continued, “I am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all the peoples of the Pacific Islands, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
Jay, 60, took to Instagram the same day to express his joy over his daughter’s new starring role as one of the Disney princesses.
“My family and I are so happy to share this news with the rest of the world,” Jay wrote in his post alongside an article about Catherine’s casting announcement.
The cast also includes New Zealander John Tui (Chief Tui), Samoan-New Zealander Frankie Adams (Sina) and New Zealander Rena Owen (Gramma Tala).
Previously announced, 52-year-old Dwayne, who played the larger-than-life demigod Maui in the 2016 animated version of the film, will reprise his role.
Director Thomas Kail, who helmed Hamilton and Grease Live, said: “I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John through this casting process.
“I am humbled by this opportunity, and I can’t wait to all be on set together,” he continued.
“And there’s no better couple to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne – trio actually: Heihei is ready too.”
Moana will bring to life the story of a young woman from Motunui eager to make her own way in the world in a whole new way.
The film will be released in cinemas in Australia on July 9, 2026.
Plus, the upcoming movie star will make her father, Home and Away actor Jay Laga’aia, 60, (left) proud as she follows in his footsteps
Jay took to Instagram the same day to express his joy over his daughter’s new starring role as one of the Disney Princesses