Sydney’s blue carpet just got a major injection of star power. The global promotional tour for Disney’s highly anticipated live-action reimagining of Moana has officially arrived in the Harbour City, bringing along the demigod himself, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Joining Johnson was the film’s breakout star, Catherine Lagaʻaia, who is celebrating a massive homecoming. The 19-year-old Sydney-born actress was recently captured in new promotional images alongside Johnson and director Thomas Kail (Hamilton), overlooking the Pacific Ocean – a fitting backdrop for the duo tasked with bringing Motunui to life.
A Journey Beyond the Reef
In this new iteration of the Oscar-nominated 2016 animated classic, Lagaʻaia takes on the titular role of Moana, the courageous daughter of a village chief who answers the ocean’s call. She sets off on a daring voyage beyond the reef to find Maui (Johnson) and restore the heart of Te Fiti.
For Lagaʻaia, the role is more than just a debut; it’s a chance to represent her heritage on the world stage. “My grandfather is from Fa‘ala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa,” she shared during the casting announcement. “It’s an honour to have the opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples.”
New Sounds and Familiar Faces
Fans can look forward to a mix of old favorites and fresh hits. The film features the new song “Along The Way,” written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and performed by Laga‘aia, Johnson, and Auliʻi Cravalho (the original voice of Moana, who serves as an executive producer here). The soundtrack also boasts original music by Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina.
The production team is a powerhouse of talent, produced by Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, and Miranda.
Mark Your Calendars
The great news is, we won’t have to wait much longer to see the voyage begin. Moana is set to hit cinemas exclusively on July 8, 2026.
Stay tuned to Novastream for more updates as we get closer to the premiere!
