In a conversation with People, Laga’aia commented on her situation, stating, “I inherited nepotism, that's for sure. I’ll take that anytime.” The film, scheduled for release on July 10th, features Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as Maui, alongside Rena Owen, John Tui, and Frankie Adams in supporting roles.
Laga’aia, who was announced in the title role in 2024, expressed that her primary motivation was to make her father proud. She indicated that her father’s perspective on the industry and his own legacy influenced her approach to the role. “I feel my biggest thing was I wanted him to be proud,” Laga’aia said. “He knows what’s good, he knows what he likes. I’m someone on his side. That’s the part of my family that I’m representing.”
She further elaborated on the familial atmosphere she grew up in, comparing her large household to the fictional island of Motunui. Landing the role of Moana, she feels has allowed her to establish her own distinct path. The live-action Moana is set to arrive in cinemas soon, continuing Disney's trend of adapting its animated classics.
Featured names
- Catherine Laga
- Frankie Adams
- Captain Typho
- David Fisher
