Exclusive Interview: Inside Catherine Laga'aia’s Moana Journey

The actor reveals how she found her version of Moana, what surprised her most on set, and why sharing Polynesian culture with the world matters

What does it feel like to become a beloved Disney Princess? With excitement building ahead of the streaming debut of Disney’s Moana (2026) on Disney+, we asked Catherine Laga'aia how she answers the ocean’s call to bring the iconic heroine to life in Disney’s latest live-action reimagining. She also shares stories from life on-set and scenes she can’t wait for fans to see. 

Note: This article is adapted from an interview with Catherine Laga'aia

Watch Highlights From Our Exclusive Interview With Catherine Laga’aia

Who plays Moana in the live-action movie? Meet Catherine Laga'aia

Disney’s Moana (2026) made a splash when it premiered in theaters July 10, 2026, with Catherine Laga'aia as the courageous teenage wayfinder. To help fans get to know the rising star and discover what it’s like taking on the role of a Disney Princess, we sat down for a one-on-one interview with the Australia-born actress. 

Learn more about the story, characters, and cast of Disney's Moana (2026).

How Catherine Laga'aia Found Her Version Of Moana

Stepping into the shoes, or in this case sand-covered feet, of an established character, can be challenging. So we had to ask Laga'aia what helped her connect with Moana’s character. 

“Getting to wear [the costume] for the first time was a moment where I truly felt like I was Moana.”

She adds that her version [of Moana’s character] differs slightly from the animated film and that the costume is “more true and realistic to what they would have worn in that time period.” 

But wearing Moana’s clothes is just the beginning. We also wanted to know how Laga'aia came to understand her mindset. 

“I connected with her on a level that it almost felt like we were living the same life, but in two different universes.”

Like Moana, who leaves her island on a daunting quest, Laga'aia left home in Sydney, Australia to forge her own path as an actor. Along the way she met her co-star Dwayne Johnson, who plays Maui, describing him as a “demigod of a person.” 

And the parallels didn’t stop there. Laga'aia explained that embodying such an iconic character often felt like climbing a mountain that seemed impossibly tall and out of reach. As she navigated the challenges and triumphs that came with the role, she found herself sailing a course similar to Moana’s, “living those moments alongside her.”

Behind The Scenes Of Disney's Live-Action Moana

Laga'aia felt closest to Moana when she was interacting with the water, and those are the parts of the movie she’s most excited for audiences to see. 

“I think there's a lot of funny scenes of Moana getting dumped [or] kicked off the boat. And there's even a couple moments of Maui jumping on and off the boat.”

Beyond the humor, these sequences blend practical filmmaking with visual effects (or VFX), bringing the magic of the ocean to life on-screen. 

When asked what else made her laugh or left an impression, Laga'aia reflected on the people who made the set feel special. 

“[It] was really fun getting to work with our extras and background performers. They were so cool and excited to be part of it.”

Their infectious energy even inspired a tradition centered around the production’s “balls and charts,” VFX (visual effects) reference tools that are brought out at the end of each take. As Laga'aia joked, “somebody told me what it does; I cannot remember for the life of me, but it’s very important [and] you need it.” Once the extras realized the “balls and charts” meant a scene was finished and they could take a break, they started clapping whenever the items appeared. The tradition spread to the rest of the cast, who began creating “balls and charts” songs by adapting the lyrics of familiar tunes, including songs from Hamilton and even “Baby Shark.”

Catherine Laga'aia On Sina, Te Fiti & Polynesian Culture

After sharing memories from the set, Laga'aia revealed a few things fans might not know about her.

“If I couldn't be Moana I'd want to be Sina, Moana's mom. She has such a beautiful maturity and femininity about her that I see a lot in Frankie Adams, who plays her. I really aspire to have that same essence and feel.”

She would also love to play Te Fiti because of the contrast between the island goddess and her fiery alter ego, Te Kā. By the end of the film, the audience realizes that the character isn’t evil, but simply reacting to her heart being stolen. “In Pacific Islander Polynesian culture, to lose that heart and spirit, who wouldn’t turn into Te Kā?” 

Characters like Sina and Te Fiti are part of what makes Moana’s story meaningful to Laga'aia, who hopes the film continues to bring people together. For example, the premiere featured a showcase of traditions from different islands, including fire knife dancing. 

“People are excited to experience new cultures. We hope Moana kicks that off, not only for Pacific Islanders, but for so many cultures.”

While you wait for Disney’s Moana (2026) to arrive on Disney+, continue exploring stories that celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander (API) voices and perspectives with the Asian and Pacific Islander Stories Collection and our curated Watch Guide featuring animated adventures, family movie night favorites, and more. 

Want more from Moana and Maui? Laga'aia and her co-star Dwayne Johnson answered even more questions at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.