Play School star Jay Laga’aia has shared his joy over his daughter Catherine being cast as Moana in the upcoming live-action film,
Disney’s highly-anticipated version of Moana will premiere next year, with the key cast members announced today.
Jay took to Instagram to share the exciting news with his followers, writing a touching tribute to his 17-year-old daughter.
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“My family and I are so pleased to share this news with the rest of the world,” his post began.
“My daughter Katie can finally share the news that she will be taking on the role of Moana in the live action Disney movie along side Dwayne Johnson and Lin Manuel Miranda.
“Also joining Laga’aia and Johnson in the cast are Auckland, New Zealander John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealand actor Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother, Sina; and Rena Owen, who hails from Bay of Islands, New Zealand, as the revered Gramma Tala.
Jay’s post concluded: “Congratulations to John Tui and his partner on his recent addition to their village too.”
Catherine shared: “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favourites.”
“My grandfather comes from Fa’aala, Palauli, in Savai’i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa,” the young actress continued.
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“I’m honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”
It was revealed that Dwayne Johnson will also reprise his role of Maui in the live-action version.
Other castmates include John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as her mother, Sina and Rena Owen as the teen’s Gramma Tala.
Director Thomas Kail shared: “I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John through this casting process.
“I am humbled by this opportunity, and I cannot wait to all be on set together. And there’s no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne – actually, trio: Heihei is ready, too.”
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