Open accessibility guideSkip to sections navigationSkip to contentSkip to footerAdvertisementCultureMoviesFilm & TV productionMore than 32,000 people applied to play Moana in Disney’s live-action version of the beloved animation. Sydney student Catherine Laga’aia, who had never starred in a film before, ultimately secured it.Updated July 1, 2026 — 2:05pm,first published 2:00pmLoadingLatest in VideosVideo icon6:22Star of Matilda looks back on iconic filmVideo icon1:30Mbappe's France take Sweden apartVideo icon0:36Hird confirms meeting with Essendon presidentVideo icon1:30Haaland fires Norway into last 16AdvertisementTwitterFacebookInstagramRSSOur SitesThe AgeThe Sydney Morning HeraldBrisbane TimesWAtodayThe Australian Financial Reviewnine.com.auDriveClassifiedsTributesPlace your adThe AgeContact & supportAdvertise with usNewslettersAccessibility guideSitemapPhoto salesPurchase front pagesContent licensingWork with usTerms of usePrivacy policyPress CouncilCharter of Editorial IndependenceAI Editorial GuidelinesProducts & ServicesSubscription packagesMy accountSubscriber FAQsDelivery statusToday’s PaperGood Food GuideDaily PuzzlesCopyright © 2026Subscribe