Disney has just announced the lucky teen who has been cast as their live-action princess, Moana!
Disney Studios dropped the news on Instagram this morning that the incredibly talented Catherine Laga'aia - daughter of actor Jay Laga'aia - will be taking on the role.
“I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favourites,” Catherine said in a press release.
And it's not just about getting the role for Catherine – it’s personal.
“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,” she explained. “I’m honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
This is Catherine's first major live-action movie gig, following her fabulous performance in the Prime Video miniseries ‘The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’.
Catherine’s gonna be joined by some epic company too. As we know, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is back to play the mighty demigod Maui.
Kiwi actors/actresses John Tui will play Chief Tui, Frankie Adams will take on the role of Sina, and Rena Owen will enchant us as Gramma Tala.
And while Auli'i Cravalho - the original voice of Moana - might not be in the live-action remake, she’s still heavily involved as a producer.
Last year, she shared her excitement on social media: "I am truly honoured to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent to honour our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures, and communities that helped inspire her story, and I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come."
And if that’s not enough Moana news for ya, Disney's also whipping up an animated ‘Moana 2’, with Cravalho and Johnson both back in action.
Teaser trailers are dropping left, right, and centre, but we're still hanging out to see more of Moana’s new adventures - both animated and live-action!
