Why Disney choose to have Recast Moana for the Live-Action Film
A new performer is following in Auliʻi Cravalho's footsteps as Disney formally reinterpreted Moana for its 2026 live-action version. The Walt Disney Company unveiled intentions for a live-action version of Moana less than ten years after the debut of the original film. Following Frozen, Big Hero 6, and Zootopia, Moana, which was released in 2016 by Walt Disney Animation Studios, became Disney's fourth straight animated smash. Apart from collecting $687.2 million at the global box office, Moana received two Academy Award nominations—including Best Animated Feature. From Tony Award-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda's energetic songs to its gorgeous animation and time-tested Disney formula, Moana had the ingredients of a classic.
The star at the film's core—then-newcomer Auliʻi Cravalho—was another major factor in its attraction. With her strong singing voice, Cravalho, the titular character of the movie, gave Moana warmth, bravery, and humor and stunned viewers. Additionally unforgettable are the remainder of Moana's cast of characters, which features shape-shifting demigod Maui under influence from Dwayne Johnson. Many find great affection in the narrative of the strong-willed chief's daughter, who is selected by the ocean to join the goddess Te Fiti with a mystical totem and preserve her island. This makes Moana's Live-Action casting startling.
Why Is Catherine Laga'aia Playing Moana in the Live-Action Film Rather Than Auliʻi Cravalho?
While Dwayne Johnson will reinterpret Maui in the live-action version of Moana, the title character of the movie has formally been replaced. Cravalho was honest about not returning to perform the iconic character when Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed the forthcoming Live-Action film. Disney said Catherine Laga'aia will feature opposite Johnson ahead of filming, which will commence in summer 2024. "I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me," the actor said in a statement (via Variety).
From Sydney, Australia, the 17-year-old Laga'aia also mentioned that Moana is one of her favorite characters, which only fuels her excitement about the thrills and challenges of the live-action Moana remake. Cravalho, at 23 years old, is much older than her character was in the first Moana picture, but Johnson was able to readily replay the part of the ageless demigod Maui. Given that age difference, Disney most certainly Recast Moana. Given Catherine Laga'aia's teenage status, she is far more in line with the animated Moana character.
Disney's New Moana Live-Action Remake Is Violating One of the Biggest Studio Policies Regarding Reimagining Animated Movies
Disney's Moana chronicles the title princess and is set in ancient Polynesia. Drawn to the water, Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) is the daughter of a tribe chief in a coastal town. She believes her mission is to return the Heart of Te Fiti, an enigmatic relic, to its proper place therefore preventing the blight endangering her island. She meets Maui (Dwayne Johnson), the trickster demi-god, along the road who supports her on her mission.
Disney has a tradition of maintaining the performers portraying famous characters from their animated films in their live-action remakes. Although the company has occasionally strayed from this approach for other movies, their reinterpretation of its most beloved animated classics—Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid—has been mostly consistent. Though it marks a dramatic break from this trend, the forthcoming makeover of Moana may hint to a new age of live-action remakes for Disney.
Still an Executive Producer on Disney's Live-Action Remake, Moana's Original Voice Actress
Fans may expect to hear Auliʻi Cravalho as her beloved character in the forthcoming animated film Moana 2 even if she won't be playing Moana in live-action. Cravalho also acts as one of the executive producers for the live-action Moana remake, hence the original Moana actor will be highly active in the project. Originally cast as the voice of Moana at barely 14 years old, Cravalho will apparently be mentoring Laga'aia as she takes front stage. Previously, Cravalho supported the always growing Moana film world and said she was thrilled about another generation finding the character.
Disney's live-action Moana has a July 10, 2026 planned release date. Given its release date—less than two years—pre-production and casting seem to be already under way. It would deviate greatly from Disney's usual live-action remake calendar. Given that the company is concentrating on developing the Moana franchise, this could testify to the studio's dedication to the success of the movie, particularly considering that it was already revealed that a sequel is under development.
