Disney Announces Live-Action Moana Remake Starring Catherine Laga’aia

Variety · 2026-07-10
Disney Announces Live-Action Moana Remake Starring Catherine Laga’aia

Disney has officially confirmed the development of a live-action adaptation of its popular 2016 animated musical Moana. This highly anticipated project aims to bring the vibrant world of Motunui and the legendary journey to restore the heart of Te Fiti to life through a modern cinematic lens. The studio has selected Catherine Laga’aia to portray the titular courageous voyager, marking a significant step in Disney's ongoing initiative to reimagine its classic animated library as reality-based feature films. The upcoming production will maintain the core narrative of the original, revisiting the iconic partnership between Moana and the powerful demigod Maui. By blending the beloved musical elements with live-action storytelling, Disney hopes to capture the magic of the original adventure for a new generation of audiences. As production continues, excitement builds regarding how the studio will translate the seafaring tale's fantastical landscapes and character dynamics into a live-action format while preserving the spirit of the original animated classic.