Moana 2 is releasing on November 29, 2024, and is one of the most anticipated films of the year. In 2023, Dwayne Johnson announced the live-action adaptation of Moana which will be released in 2026. Moana was loved by the audiences because of its storytelling, animation, and compelling music. The film was a commercial success worldwide, opening the doors for the development of its franchise.
Fans are excited for the live-action Moana, eager to see the animated characters brought to life on the big screen. The casting plays an important role in the live-action adaptation of animated films to maintain authenticity. The makers auditioned many girls from all over the world to cast Moana. The excitement for the film increased when Disney announced the cast of the movie. Here’s a look at the actors who are in the highly anticipated film.
Catherine Laga‘aia as Moana
Catherine Laga‘aia will be playing the role of Moana in the live-action adaptation. Disney announced her casting as Moana in June 2024. Disney did a global search for a young girl from the Pacific Islands for the role. She is a 17-year-old native Australian actress. She has done only one acting project before Moana which is a TV series called "The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart."
She is the daughter of actor and singer Jay Laga’aia, who is best known for his role in the Star Wars prequel as Captain Typho. In a statement, she shared that Moana is one of her favorite characters and feels honored to play the role. She comes from a Samoan heritage as her grandfather is from Savai‘i and her grandmother is from Samoa. She is grateful for the opportunity to represent Samoa and many young girls who look like her.
Dwayne Johnson as Maui
Dwayne Johnson was the voice of Maui in Moana and he will be reprising his role in the live-action adaptation. Maui is a demigod who stole the heart of goddess Te Fiti. He is a shapeshifter and mischievous in nature, which often gets him into trouble. Dwayne Johnson’s personality and physical appearance align well with Maui’s larger-than-life character.
Dwayne Johnson is a popular American actor, born on May 2, 1972, in California, United States. He rose to fame with WWE as a professional wrestler. He got his famous nickname ‘The Rock’ from WWE. He is best known for his work in the Fast and Furious franchise, Jumanji franchise, Central Intelligence (2016), Baywatch (2017), Red Notice (2021), etc.
Rena Owen as Grandma Tala
Maria Makarena Owen, popularly known as Rena Owen, will be playing the role of Grandma Tala in the live-action adaptation. Grandma Tala was a guarding light for Moana. She is the one who makes Moana realize that she is the chosen one. She dies in the film and comes back as a spirit to help Moana.
Rena Owen is a New Zealand actress, born on July 22, 1962, in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. She is best known for her work in the Star Wars franchise and Once Were Warriors.
John Tui as Chief Tui
John Tui will be playing the role of Chief Tui in the live-action adaptation. Chief Tui is the father of Moana. He is protective and caring towards Moana and doesn't want her to get hurt because of her curiosity about the ocean. He wants Moana to learn leadership skills so that, one day, she can become the village chief and protect her people.
John Tui is a New Zealand actor, born on June 11, 1975, in Auckland, New Zealand. He is best known for his work in Power Rangers S.P.D. (2005) and Power Rangers Mystic Force (2006). He has also worked in films like The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014), Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), Hobbs & Shaw (2019), etc.
Frankie Adams as Sina
Frankie Adams will be playing the role of Sina in the live-action adaptation. Sina is the mother of Moana. She was caring and protective towards Moana and encouraged her to embrace her destiny. Even though she was worried about Moana sailing through the ocean, she was an emotional support for her.
Frankie Adams is a Samoan New Zealand actress, born on January 3, 1994, in Savaiʻi, Samoa. She started her acting career at the age of 16 with the soap opera Shortland Street. She has worked on many projects like The Expanse (2017–2022), The Panthers (2021), The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (2023), etc.
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FAQs about the Moana live-action
A. The live-action adaptation of Moana is scheduled to be released on July 10, 2026.
A. Dwayne Johnson is playing Maui in the Moana live-action.
A. Moana is 16 years old in the film Moana.
