Dwayne Johnson has dropped an update on the “exciting and inspiring” live-action Moana movie.
The 52-year-old actor, who previously lent his unmistakable charm and muscles to the animated demigod Maui in the 2016 Disney film Moana, is set to reprise his role in the upcoming live-action version. Joining him is Catherine Laga‘aia, stepping into Moana’s adventurous shoes.
“Exciting and inspiring casting news as we begin to bring together our Live Action MOANA Family.
“CATHERINE LAGA’AIA AS MOANA, @JohnTui1 AS CHIEF TUI, @FrankieAdams AS SINA, @RenaOwen AS GRAMMA TALA. And yours truly, as the demigod MAUI.
“It’s our deepest honor to share the legends, songs, dances, and traditions of our Polynesian culture with all of you and your families around the world. Production begins this August.
“#MOANALiveAction In theaters JULY 10, 2026! Directed by Thomas Kail. Music by Lin Manuel Miranda,” he wrote on Instagram.
Disney recently made waves by announcing that 17-year-old actress Laga‘aia, who has Samoan roots, “will be voyaging to Motunui and beyond as the adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people.”
“I’m really excited to embrace this character. 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,” Laga‘aia,said.
New Zealander John Tui will take on the role of Moana’s “no-nonsense” father, Chief Tui. Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams is set to portray Moana’s “playful and strong-willed” mother, Sina. And Rena Owen, hailing from Bay of Islands, New Zealand, has been cast as the “revered” Gramma Tala.
“Moana will bring to life in a whole new way the story of a young woman eager to pave her own path. Celebrating the islands, communities, and traditions of Pacific Islanders in a spectacular adventure, the production begins filming this summer,” a press release elaborated.
“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,” said director Thomas Kail.
