Why Disney Has Recast Moana For The Live-Action Movie

Less than 10 years after the original film’s release, The Walt Disney Company revealed plans for a live-action reimagining of Moana. Released in 2016 by Walt Disney Animation Studios, Moana became Disney’s fourth consecutive animated hit, following the likes of Frozen, Big Hero 6, and Zootopia. In addition to garnering $687.2 million at the worldwide box office, Moana was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature. From its lush animation and time-tested Disney formula to Tony Award-winner Lin-Manuel Miranda’s spirited songs, Moana had the makings of an enduring classic.

Another huge part of the film’s appeal was the star at its center: then-newcomer Auliʻi Cravalho. The voice of the film’s title character, Cravalho brought warmth, daring, and humor to Moana, and awed audiences with her powerhouse singing voice. The rest of Moana‘s cast of characters, which includes Dwayne Johnson’s meddling, shape-shifting demigod Maui, are equally memorable. The story of the strong-willed chief’s daughter, who’s chosen by the ocean to unite the goddess Te Fiti with a mystical totem and save her island, is well-loved — which makes Moana’s live-action recasting a shock to many.

Why Catherine Laga’aia Is Playing Moana In The Live-Action Movie Instead Of Auli’i Cravalho

Disney Announced That Newcomer Laga’aia Will Play The Beloved Titular Character In Moana (2026)

Although Dwayne Johnson will reprise the role of Maui in the live-action remake of Moana, the film’s title character has officially been recast. When Disney CEO Bob Iger announced the upcoming live-action movie, Cravalho was open about not returning to play the beloved character. Ahead of filming, which will start filming in summer 2024, Disney announced that Catherine Laga‘aia will star opposite Johnson. “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 shared that Moana is one of her favorite characters, which only makes her more excited about the thrills and challenges of the live-action Moana remake. While Johnson was able to easily reprise the role of the ageless demigod Maui, Cravalho, now 23 years old, is significantly older than her character was in the first Moana film. That said, Disney most likely recast Moana due to that age discrepancy. Since Catherine Laga‘aia is a teenager, she is much closer in age to the animated Moana character.

Moana’s Original Voice Actress Is Still An Executive Producer On Disney’s Live-Action Remake

Auliʻi Cravalho Is Excited To Pass The Torch For The New Moana Movie

Although Auliʻi Cravalho won’t reprise the role of Moana in live-action, fans can look forward to hearing Cravalho as her beloved character in the upcoming animated film Moana 2. Plus, Cravalho serves as one of the live-action Moana remake’s executive producers, which means the original Moana actor will be very much involved in the project. Originally cast as the voice of Moana at just 14 years old, Cravalho will reportedly mentor Laga‘aia as she steps into the spotlight. Previously, Cravalho championed the ever-expanding Moana cinematic universe, adding that she was excited about another generation discovering the character.

Source: Variety