When Moana debuted in 2016, it introduced Disney's first Polynesian princess and offered a different kind of heroine. Instead of centering on romance, the film follows Moana as she sets out to save her people, discovering her own courage, strength, and sense of purpose along the way. That heartfelt story resonated with audiences, and helped make Moana a beloved hit, paving the way for 2024's Moana 2. Now, fans are excited for the live-action version of the first movie to hit theaters on July 10.
Whether you're revisiting the world of Moana or experiencing the story for the first time through the live-action adaptation, it's fun to get to know the actors bringing these beloved characters to life. From their previous roles to their personal backgrounds, here's everything you need to know about the stars behind the film and how the live-action cast compares to their animated counterparts.
Moana
Moana, daughter of the Motunui chief, is chosen by the ocean to embark on an epic sailing adventure to restore the heart of Te Fiti, the mother island and goddess of creation. Moana is voiced by Auli'i Cravalho, a Hawaiian actress who went on to participate in other animated and live-action productions since her acting debut in 2016 as Moana.
Catherine Laga'aia
Catherine Laga'aia is an Australian actress of Samoan and English descent. She’s the daughter of New Zealand and Australian actor Jay Laga'aia (Captain Typho in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith) and his wife, Sandra Jane. In 2025, she graduated from Newtown High School of the Performing Arts in Sydney. Her acting debut was as young Candy in Prime Video's miniseries The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, and she’s set to lead the Australian Gen-Z thriller Crashout.
Maui
Based on the Polynesian mythology demigod of the same name, Maui is a shapeshifter and master wayfinder who helps Moana on her journey. Throughout the movie, we see Maui’s evolution from an egotistical trickster to a mentor and friend to Moana. In the 2016 animated film and its 2024 sequel, Maui is voiced by Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson.
Dwayne Johnson
Besides voicing Maui in both animated movies, Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, has been in over 50 movies throughout his career. Some of his most notable projects include his roles as Dr. Bravestone in the Jumanji franchise, Luke Hobbs in the Fast & Furious franchise, and Bob Stone in Central Intelligence.
Johnson is of Samoan descent through his mother, Ata Johnson, and Black Nova Scotian heritage through his father, the late Canadian professional wrestler Rocky Johnson. Although he was born in California, he spent part of his childhood in New Zealand with his mother's family, strengthening his connection to his Samoan roots. After playing college football and briefly pursuing a professional athletic career, Johnson found global fame as a professional wrestler before transitioning to acting in the late 1990s.
Sina
Sina is Moana’s mother and the Chieftess of Motunui. Sina constantly bridges the gap between Moana’s wanderlust and her father’s rules against sailing beyond the reef. And when Moana decides to embark on a mission to save their island, she warmly helps her prepare. Sina is voiced by Nicole Scherzinger, the Honolulu-born lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls.
Frankie Adams
Frankie Adams is a Samoan New Zealand actress known for her roles in The Expense and The Wrecking Crew. Moana isn’t the first project where she works alongside Catherine Laga'aia. In 2023, they played the same role in Prime Video’s The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart—with Laga'aia playing the younger version. Adams was born on the island of Savaiʻi in Samoa. Her acting career began at age 16 when she landed the role of Ula Levi in the soap opera Shortland Street.
Chief Tui
Chief Tui is the protective leader of Motunui. He fears the ocean and strictly forbids sailing beyond the reef, which causes him to clash with Moana. He is voiced by New Zealand actor Temuera Morrison. The character’s singing voice is done by Broadway actor and singer Christopher Jackson.
John Tui
Chief Tui is played by Tongan New Zealand actor John Tui, who is of Tongan descent. He’s best known for playing Anubis "Doggie" Cruger in Power Rangers S.P.D and Daggeron in Power Rangers Mystic Force.
Grandma Tala
Moana’s eccentric and wise grandmother serves as the village storyteller, preserving the story of their wayfinder ancestors. Even after her passing, she continues to guide Moana in spirit.
Rena Owen
Rena Owen is a New Zealand actress best known for her roles as Beth Heke in Once We Were Warriors and Taun We in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. Additionally, she’s been in the 2021 Freeform show Siren and The Dead Lands.
