Moana, Maui, Te Kā… the gang’s all here.

See the live-action Moana cast side-by-side with the animated characters they bring to life

Moana, Maui, Te Kā... the gang’s all here.

By Nick Romano

Nick Romano

Nick Romano is a senior editor at ** with 15 years of journalism experience covering entertainment. His work previously appeared in Vanity Fair, Vulture, IGN, and more.

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July 10, 2026 3:00 p.m. ET

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Catherine Laga’aia as Moana; Moana in the 2016 animated film. Credit:

*Moana* is back on the big screen, though not quite as you remembered.

It’s only been 10 years since the 2016 animated original became a global success and modern classic, but now Disney’s new interpretation of the tale brings some of your favorite characters to life in both live-action and photo-realistic animation.

“How do you honor this? How do you say ‘we love it too’ and make it something that can be a companion and not try to be the same thing, but also trust what works?” director Thomas Kail told **. “The opportunity to have flesh and blood and have human beings tell the story and sing these songs and be in this world, there’s something so fundamentally different about that experience of watching and feeling that.”

As in the original film, *Moana* follows the titular character (now played by Catherine Laga’aia) as she sets off across the sea to save her village. Along the way, she encounters new enemies, learns her own strength, and, of course, becomes besties with the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson).

With *Moana* now playing in theaters, check out all the live-action characters in the new film side by side with the animated originals below.

Catherine Laga’aia as Moana

Catherina Laga’aia as the live-action Moana; Moana in ‘Moana’ (2016).

Catherine Lagaʻaia succeeds Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana in the live-action retelling. The daughter of Chief Tui on the island of Motunui, the young seafaring heroine is chosen by the ocean to find demigod Maui and return the stolen heart of the nature goddess Te Fiti before the world is consumed in fire and ash.

“The way that Catherine sings ‘How Far I’ll Go’ is inherently different than the way Auliʻi did,” Kail teased to EW of the music to come. “I think that’s what also is a reason [for the movie] to be. How would you do this? How would you experience that?”

Kail later elaborated further on the decision to cast a new actress in the role, telling EW, “[Cravalho] really wanted this to be Catherine’s. So it was never a major conversation about that idea.”

Fittingly, Cravalho duets with Laga’aia on a new Lin-Manuel Miranda song, “Along the Way,” which plays over the end credits.

Dwayne Johnson as Maui

Dwayne Johnson as the live-action Maui; Maui in ‘Moana’ (2016).

Maui is a hero with many titles: shapeshifter, demigod of the wind and sea, hero of men and women. And now he’ll remind us again in live-action.

Dwayne Johnson becomes the first Disney actor to play the same role in both animated and live-action versions of a character. The actor previously spoke with EW about transforming himself into Maui for the live-action *Moana*, describing “the 40 pounds of prosthetics and hair and body.”

“It was grueling because of the suit and how hot it was,” he said. “Wait till you see pictures. In between takes, there’s literally five, six people, all [with] fans, opening me up, pulling my hair back.”

John Tui as Chief Tui

John Tui as the live-action Chief Tui; Chief Tui in ‘Moana’ (2016).

John Tui plays Chief Tui, Moana’s no-nonsense father and leader of the people of Motunui. He’s someone who does not want his daughter sailing out towards the dangers beyond the reef.

Temuera Morrison (*The Mandalorian*, *The Book of Boba Fett*) voiced the character in the two animated movies, while *Hamilton* star Christopher Jackson supplied his singing voice for the first.

Frankie Adams as Sina

Frankie Adams at the ‘Moana’ premiere; Sina in ‘Moana’ (2016).

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic; Disney

Frankie Adams takes over the role of Sina, Moana’s mother, from Tony winner Nicole Scherzinger. Sina acts as the mediating force between Moana and Tui when they butt heads over their visions for the future, and she cares deeply for her people. What’s more, she understands when Moana takes action, even though its against her husband’s wishes.

Rena Owen as Gramma Tala

Rena Owen as the live-action Tala; Tala in ‘Moana’ (2016).

Rena Owen now portrays Moana’s grandmother, Tala, a role previously voiced by Rachel House in the animated movies.

Grandma Tala is a free spirit and revered matriarch of her family with a strong connection to both nature and her peoples’ history. She plays a key role in Moana’s journey, as the two share a deep connection that transcends the typical bounds of human nature.

The Ocean Spirit

Catherine Laga’aia as Moana touching a wave; Moana’s sister Simea reaching for a wave in ‘Moana 2’.

The spirit of the ocean, visualized as a cresting wave, pops in and out to guide Moana on her odyssey — and reprimand Maui. It is the ocean who chose the girl as a toddler to become the savior of her people.

How Auli’i Cravalho got involved in live-action ‘Moana’ — and why she doesn’t cameo

Everything you might want to know about Dwayne Johnson's 'Moana' wig

Te Kā in live-action and the animated ‘Moana’.

Te Kā is the raging volcanic entity that threatens to cover the world in ash. Moana and Maui must duck and dodge this adversary if they’re to restore the heart of Te Fiti.

Pua in live-action and the animated ‘Moana’.

Pua is Moana’s puppy-like pet pig. Though the spotted animal companion doesn’t join Moana on her journey, he remains one of her best friends.

Hei Hei the Rooster

Hei Hei in live-action and the animated ‘Moana’.

Hei Hei is always getting into trouble; it’s a surprise he hasn’t been eaten by something or other. The clumsy, absentminded bird from Motunui haphazardly finds his way onto Moana’s boat and comes along for the ride, making for some hilarious moments.

Alan Tudyk voiced the character in the animated film, but he does not return for the live-action adaptation.

Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa

Tamatoa in live-action and the animated ‘Moana’.

Tamatoa is a gargantuan coconut crab who dwells in the monster realm of Lalotai. He covets shiny things — to the point of getting an entire song about it.

Jemaine Clement (*What We Do in the Shadows*) voices Tamatoa in the animated original and returns to play the character in the live-action adaptation.

Kakamora in live-action and the animated ‘Moana’.

The Kakamora are a group of coconut-like pirates who cause all sorts of havoc from their giant ship on the ocean. It’s not a good time when Moana comes across their vessel, but it does give her the chance to test her fighting skills.

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