Summary
The live-action casting for the titular role ofMoanarepeats the animated film’s brilliant decision. In 2015, Disney announced that Auli’i Cravalho would play Moana in the animated film.She was an unknown actress at the time, but Disney does not always cast unknown actors to play lead roles, especially for live-action remakes. Emma Watson has an extremely famous past thanks toHarry Potter, and Disney picked her to play Belle inBeauty and the Beast (2017). Beyoncé is one of the world’s most well-known performers, andDisney cast her to play Nala inThe Lion King(2019) andMufasa.
Angelina Jolie has played numerous charactersspanning decades, and one of those roles included the titularMaleficentin 2014. However,Disney does not always choose familiar names to play lead rolesin their live-action remakes. Mia Wasikowska played Alice inAlice in Wonderland(2010), and prior to this role, she was mostly in short films. Lily James' breakout role was the titular character in the 2015 remake ofCinderella, while Mena Massoud’s big break was playing the lead inAladdin(2019). Liu Yifei had a well-known career in China, but she broke barriers with international audiences in the 2020 remake ofMulan.
I Know The Perfect Way Auli’i Cravalho Can Still Appear In Moana’s Live-Action Remake
Auli’i Cravalho may not be playing Moana in the live-action remake of the film, but there is one Motunui role that she would be the perfect fit for.
Recasting Moana Gives Another Unknown Actress A Breakout Role
Disney Can Change Catherine Laga’aia’s Life The Way They Changed Auli’i Cravalho’s
Disney cast Catherine Laga’aia as Moanain the live-action remake, and it is the perfect way for Catherine Laga’aia to kickstart her acting career, the same wayMoanahelped Auli’i Cravalho.Auli’i Cravalho was unknown when Disney cast herto voice Moana, and now she has a hearty list of roles, includingCrush,All Together Now, and most recently,Mean Girls(2024). Cravalho is set to reprise her role as Moana for the animated sequel. Disney gave Auli’i Cravalho an excellent start to a career that will only grow from here, and the same thing could happen to Catherine Laga’aia.
2016
2020
2022
Darby and the Dead
Janis ‘Imi’ike
2024
Moana’s Remake Could Be Bigger For Catherine Laga’aia Than The Original Was For Auli’i Cravalho
Catherine Laga’aia Will Appear On Screen As Moana Rather Than Just Her Voice
Thecasting for the live-action ofMoanacould mean much more for Catherine Laga’aia. While Auli’i Cravalho has since created a fulfilling career, voicing Moana is not the same as playing the character live. Catherine Laga’aia will appear on screen, and audiences will watch her act and sing. This difference could mean much bigger things for her in Hollywood, as it has for other actors who have had their breakout roles in Disney live-action remakes. Lily James went on to star in huge films such asBaby DriverandMamma Mia! Here We Go Againafter she played Cinderella.
Moana 2is set to release in theaters on July 22, 2025,while the live-action adaptation is set for June 23, 2025.
Only time will tell how Catherine Laga’aia’s career will pan out after the release of the live-actionMoanain 2026. This role should only break barriers for her. However,not all Disney live-action breakout stars have had successful careersafter their roles. Mena Massoud struggled after the release ofAladdinin 2019, but he has managed to acquire a few roles since then. Hopefully, playing Moana will be a great first step in a long career for Catherine Laga’aia and not just a one-time appearance in Hollywood.
Moana
Cast
In Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Moana,” a young Polynesian girl embarks on a daring voyage to save her people, seeking the demigod Maui’s help to restore the heart of Te Fiti.
