Catherine Laga’aia’s family had a heartwarming reaction to the Sydney-based actress being cast as the live action Moana for the upcoming Disney production.
In a candid TikTok video, posted by Catherine’s older sister Jessie, the rising star is seen running and hugging her sibling following the exciting announcement.
‘I am the proudest big sister in the entire world. Just the beginning,’ Jessie captioned the video.
Several fans also expressed their delight with the news in the comments.
‘So proud of her,’ one user wrote. Now I am excited to watch Moana live action when it comes out!! Rooting for her!!’
Catherine Laga’aia’s family had a heartwarming reaction to the Sydney-based actress being cast as the live action Moana for the upcoming Disney production
‘Can’t wait! Congratulations, Catherine!’ added another.
‘Honestly perfect casting!!! Aroha to you Catherine!!!’ someone else commented.
Catherine will portray Moana, originally voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho, in the titular upcoming live-action of the Disney movie.
The 17-year-old will star alongside American wrestler and actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as she ‘celebrates Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples’.
What’s more, the budding movie star will be making her father, Home and Away actor Jay Laga’aia, proud as she follows in his footsteps.
‘I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favourites,’ Catherine said in a statement on Thursday.
Sydney-based actress Catherine Laga’aia, 17, (left) will portray Moana, originally voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho, in the titular upcoming live-action of the Disney movie (right)
The young actor will star alongside American wrestler Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, 52, (pictured) as she ‘celebrates Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples’
‘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.’
She continued: ‘I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.’
Jay, 60, took to Instagram the same day to express joy over his daughter’s new leading role as one of the Disney princesses.
‘My family and I are so pleased to share this news with the rest of the world,’ Jay wrote in his message alongside an article of Catherine’s casting announcement.
The cast also includes New Zealander John Tui (Chief Tui), Samoan-New Zealander Frankie Adams (Sina), and New Zealander Rena Owen (Gramma Tala).
Previously announced, Dwayne, 52, who voiced larger-than-life demigod Maui in the 2016 animated version of the film, will reprise his role.
Director Thomas Kail, who helmed Hamilton and Grease Live, said: ‘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,’ he continued.
‘And there’s no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne – actually, trio: Heihei is ready, too.’
Moana will bring to life in a whole new way the story of a young woman from Motunui eager to pave her own path in the world.
The movie will release to cinemas in Australia on July 9, 2026.
What’s more, the budding movie star will be making her father, Home and Away actor Jay Laga’aia, 60, (left) proud as she follows in his footsteps
Jay took to Instagram the same day to express joy over his daughter’s new leading role as one of the Disney princesses
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