Catherine Laga'aia
Born (2006-12-17) December 17, 2006 (age 19)
Sydney, Australia
Occupation Actress
Years active 2023–present
Father Jay Laga'aia

Catherine Laga'aia (born December 17, 2006) is an Australian actress. She is set to make her film debut in the title role of the live-action film Moana.

Career

Laga'aia made her screen debut in the television series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (2023), appearing as a younger version of the character Candy.[1]

In June 2024, Laga'aia was cast in the title role of Disney's live-action adaptation of Moana, opposite Dwayne Johnson.[2][3]

Promotional material for the film, including trailers released in 2025 and 2026, featured Laga'aia in the lead role.[4][5][6]

She has also been cast in the Australian thriller film Crashout, directed by Nick Annas.[7][8]

Personal life

Laga'aia is the daughter of actor and singer Jay Laga'aia.[9]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2026 Moana Moana Post-production
TBA Crashout Riley Filming

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2023 The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart Young Candy 3 episodes

References

  1. ^ "The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart review". The Guardian. 2023-08-03. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
  2. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2024-06-12). "Disney Finds Their Live-Action 'Moana' In Catherine Laga'aia". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
  3. ^ "Live-Action "Moana" Casts Catherine Laga'aia in Title Role". People. 2024-06-12. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
  4. ^ "New trailer and poster for Disney's Moana now available". Disney Press UK. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
  5. ^ "Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga'aia star in Moana trailer". People. 2026-03-23. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
  6. ^ "Moana live-action trailer released". Collider. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
  7. ^ Ramachandran, Naman (2026-02-14). "'Moana' Star Catherine Laga'aia to Lead Australian Thriller 'Crashout'". Variety. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
  8. ^ "Joe Bird joins Catherine Laga'aia in Crashout". Cinema Express. 2026-03-12. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
  9. ^ Lyall, Amy (2017-05-02). "Jay Laga'aia has one thing he wants his eight children to learn". Kidspot. Retrieved 2025-11-13.