Catherine Lagaʻaia Shares Exciting Experience of Creating New ‘Moana’ Music with Lin-Manuel Miranda

A decade has passed since audiences were first introduced to Moana, and next week, Disney is set to unveil a live-action rendition of this much-loved animated tale.

Bringing the animated adventure to life involves showcasing both the tangible charms of a real actress and the vibrant traditions of Polynesian culture on the silver screen.

Catching up with the new face of Moana, I had a conversation with Catherine Laga’aia in the beautiful setting of Oahu, Hawaii, discussing her path to embodying this iconic character.

At 19, this Samoan Australian talent is making a remarkable entrance into the world of cinema with her first major film role.

She steps into the shoes of one of Disney’s most cherished characters, breathing life into the spirited and adventurous Moana.

“It’s just so cool,” says Laga’aia.

Catherine was just nine years old when the first animated film hit theaters.

“To me, Moana was an icon,” says Laga’aia. “She was an idol.”

Hawaiian breakout star Auli’i Cravalho was also a teenager when she first voiced the role for not one, but two animated films. She’s now an executive producer on this live-action film.

Cravalho is an only child who says she now gets a sister.

“This is a sisterhood,” says Laga’aia.

And now, Laga’aia is bringing the iconic original soundtrack famously written by Broadway legend Lin-Manuel Miranda to live action.

“I know this music like the back of my hand,” says Laga’aia. “I couldn’t forget it if I tried.”

Of working with Miranda, she says: “That was insane. Getting to work with theater legends Tommy Kail, Alex Lacamoire and Lin-Manuel Miranda, you know they’re only going to produce greatness. I was very excited to work with them.”

Miranda wrote a brand new song for this film called “Along the Way,” which features Catherine alongside Auli’i, and their demigod Maui, played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

“It’s like knighting the next generation with the same passion and feeling and fervor,” says Laga’aia.

Moana is in theaters on July 10.

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