Disney have announced that Catherine Laga’aia, John Tui, Frankie Adams and Rena Owen are the latest names to join the cast for the upcoming live-action adaptation of Moana.

.

Based on the 2016 animated film, Moana is set in ancient Polynesia, is about the following:

Moana is an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod Maui, who guides her in her quest to became a master way-finder. Together they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds.

.

Catherine Laga’aia (whose sole credit so far is The Lost Flowers Of Alice Hart) has been cast in the titular role, while John Tui (whose credits include Young Rock and Power Rangers Mystic Force) will portray Moana’s father, Chief Tui. Frankie Adams (whose credits include The Expanse and The Lost Flowers Of Alice Hart) will be playing Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother Sina, while Rena Owen (whose credits include Siren and The Orville) will play the role of Gramma Tala.

.

Catherine Laga’aia released a statement saying:

I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favourites. My grandfather comes from Fa’aala, Palauli, in Savai’i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tui on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.

.

Thomas Kail, director of the live-action adaptation, also released a statement saying:

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.

.

The new additions will join previously announced Dwayne Johnson, who will reprise the role of Maui whom he voiced in the original film. The script is written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller.

.

The film is being produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia via Seven Bucks Productions, Beau Flynn via FlynnPictureCo., and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Executive producers include Scott Sheldon via FlynnPictureCo., Auli’i Cravalho, and Charles Newirth.

.

Moana will begin production this summer and is currently scheduled for cinematic release on the 10th July 2026.