Disney revealed the actress who will play the title role in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Moana.

The global entertainment company announced that 17-year-old Australian actress Catherine Laga‘aia will be playing the role of Moana in the upcoming film.

"I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites," Catherine said in a press release by Disney.

She further highlighted: “My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me."

Catherine will be joining Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who was previously announced to reprise his role as Maui, in the live-action adaptation.

Other cast members of the film include John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala.

The movie is set to be released in theaters on July 10, 2026. The film will be directed by Thomas Kail.

READ:Disney announces ‘Moana 2’ to be released this November

"I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie, and John through this casting process. I am humbled by this opportunity, and I cannot wait to all be on set together. And there’s no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne—actually, trio: Heihei is ready, too," Thomas remarked.

According to Disney, Moana "will bring to life in a whole new way the story of a young woman eager to pave her own path." It will celebrate "the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders in a spectacular adventure."

It was in April 2023 when Dwayne announced that a live-action adaptation of Moana is set to hit the big screen. The actor shared that he will also be an executive producer of the film.

"I'm deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live action big screen. This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people's grace and warrior strength," he said in the announcement video last year.

He added: "I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me."