Frankie Adams

The casting for the live-action film adaption of Moana (2016) is taking shape. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, the man who voiced the role of Maui in the fully animated Moana (2016), took to his Instagram page to show fans some of the actors who are now set to bring their characters to life. 'Exciting and inspiring casting news as we begin to bring together our live action MOANA family,' Johnson wrote in the post featuring headshots of the cast alongside their animated characters. The first images reveal Catherine Laga'aia, 17, as the young actress who will play the titular Polynesian heroine, Moana. The Sydney, Australia native is a relative unknown with Samoan heritage, according to The Independent. Rounding out the new cast members: John Tui, 49, who play her dad Chief Tui, Frankie Adams, 30, portrays her mom Sina, while Rena Owen, 61, takes on the Gramma Tala character.

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.