Entertainment: ‘Moana’ Cast Guide: Every Live-Action Character vs. the Original Animation

Moana and Maui are setting sail once again — this time, in live-action.

Releasing in theaters July 10, Disney’s animated musical “Moana” comes back to life with a brand new live-action remake led by Catherine Laga’aia, who stars as the titular character.

Similar to the original, the film follows Moana’s journey to restore the heart of Te Fiti and help her village people of Motunui. Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as the shapeshifting demigod Maui, who joins Moana on her quest (while also treating audiences to a new and improved rendition of “You’re Welcome.”)

Jemaine Clement also returns to the story as the CGI-version of the crab Tamatoa, who is known for his love of all things shiny. “Moana” will also welcome in new faces to bring the story to life, including Laga’aia, who is making her film debut.

As for those who’ve grown to love the animated film’s chaotic animal sidekicks, you need not worry, as even Pua and Heihei will be returning to tag along on Moana’s journey across the sea.

Here is a look at the key characters and the actors who bring them to life:

Moana (Catherine Laga’aia)

After Auli’i Cravalho’s angelic voice introduced the world to “How Far I’ll Go” ten years ago, newcomer Catherine Laga’aia leads this new take and appears as the brave titular character who learns to embrace her love of the sea. Born in Sydney, Australia, the 19-year-old breakout star previously appeared in three episodes of “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart” as a young version of Candy, the character played by Frankie Adams. Laga’aia grew up with eight siblings; her father, Jay Lagaʻaia, is also a performer, appearing in Star Wars films like “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith” as Tycho Celchu.
Maui (Dwayne Johnson)

Dwayne Johnson returns to play the cocky, shapeshifting demigod Maui, who accompanies Moana on her journey to return Te Fiti’s heart and save the island of Motunui. The ten-time WWE world champion quickly became a major blockbuster star through roles in the “Jumanji” films, “Fast & Furious” and “Black Adam.” In recent years, he was in the awards conversation for director Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine” and recently set a lead role in “Sing Sing” director’s new film, “Free Byrd.”
Gramma Tala (Rena Owen)

Gramma Tala, played by Rena Owen, is the heart of “Moana” as both Moana’s grandmother and the storyteller who helps the Kakamora tribe reconnect with their roots. Owen, who was born in New Zealand, has worked with the likes of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, appearing in “A.I. Artificial Intelligence,” voicing Taun We in “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” and portraying Nee Alavar in “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.” She recently reprised her role as Taun We in a 2021 episode of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch.”
Chief Tui (John Tui)

John Tui (“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” “Solo: A Star Wars Story”) takes up the mantle of Chief Tui, Moana’s protective father and leader of the people of Motunui. Although encouraging of Moana following in his footsteps as chief, he is wary of her desire to explore the ocean beyond their island home. Temuera Morrison (“Aquaman,” “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith”) originated the role, with longtime Lin-Manuel Miranda collaborator Christopher Jackson (“Hamilton,” “In the Heights”) providing the singing voice for Chief Tui in the animated film.
Sina (Frankie Adams)

Moana’s perceptive mother, Sina both understands her daughter’s longing for the water but wants to protect her from danger. Samoan New Zealand actor Frankie Adams (“The Expanse,” “Shortland Street”) steps into the role, taking over from Nicole Scherzinger (“Sunset Boulevard,” “The X Factor”) in the original.
Tamatoa (Jemaine Clement)

Jemaine Clement (“Rio,” “What We Do in the Shadows”) returns as the glitzy king crab Tamatoa, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else delivering the catchy song “Shiny” in the same way. The jewel-encrusted crustacean harbors a grudge against Maui and fiercely guards his shiny collection, including the demigod’s fishhook after it falls into his lair.
Pua the Pig

Moana’s trusty, if a little skittish, pet pig Pua would follow her anywhere, even if he’s a little unsure of the ocean. The live-action production used a mix of real animals and animatronics to bring Moana’s sidekick to life. The animated Pua was voiced using a combination of real pig vocalizations and sound effects from voice actor Frank Welker, whose long list of credits includes Fred Jones in “Scooby Doo,” Pegasus in “Hercules,” Cri-Kee in “Mulan” and Abu, Rajah and the Cave of Wonders in “Aladdin.”
Heihei the Rooster

Heihei is a constantly confused rooster who accidentally joins Moana on her quest after seeking refuge in her boat. Always unaware of what’s happening around him, Heihei is simply along for the ride.
Kakamora

The Kakamora are hostile nomads floating across the sea who are easily identified by their armor made of coconut. Always ready to engage in battle, they are small but dangerous, especially when the hundreds of them band together.
Te Kā

Te Kā is the giant, dangerous demon of earth and fire Moana must get past to successfully restore the heart of Te Fiti. Gramma Tala first tells Moana the story of Te Kā, who awoke when Maui stole the heart of Te Fiti. While battling the demigod, the heart was ultimately lost in the sea, which only infuriated Te Kā more.