Young actress Katherine Lagaia won the role of brave Moana in the live-action film based on the Disney cartoon of the same name. The 17-year-old Samoan and New Zealander proudly shared, “I am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples.” This is reported by daily.afisha.ru with reference to Variety.

Katherine will join Dwayne Johnson, who will once again play the role of the demigod Maui. Also joining the cast are: John Tui (New Zealand) as Moana's father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams (Samoa/New Zealand) as Moana's mother, Sina; Rena Owen (New Zealand) - as Grandma Tala.

Filming for Moana will begin this summer, and the film's premiere is scheduled for July 10, 2026. The director of the film will be Thomas Kail, known for the Broadway musical “Hamilton.” He will carefully bring the story from animation to the big screen, with special attention to Samoan culture and traditions.

The script is being developed by Jared Bush (author of the animated film “Moana”) and Dana LeDoux Miller (“News Service,” “Narcos,” “Subsequent Candidate”). The music for the film is being adapted by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the composer of the songs for the animated film Moana.