Catherine Laga'aia, the star of Disney's live-action Moana, reflects on her journey to embodying the beloved character. Despite her lack of confidence going into the audition, she beat out 32,000 applicants worldwide. Laga'aia, now 19, brings her own unique perspective to the role, drawing from her Samoan heritage and personal experiences. She shares her father's acting advice, emphasizing the importance of giving every ounce of effort to each audition. Laga'aia's version of Moana is a little older, reflecting her own coming-of-age story. She discusses the significance of representation in the franchise, the collaborative and supportive environment on set, and the challenges of working with CGI. Laga'aia's father, Jay Laga'aia, is a well-known actor, and she acknowledges her nepotism status, but focuses on her own hard work and passion. She expresses excitement about exploring indie projects and returning to theater, highlighting her versatility and eagerness to grow as an actress.
