Moana's Catherine Laga'aia reveals the franchise helped her seize opportunities she was nervous to take

Just a few hours more and the much-awaited live-action film, Moana will be out. It features actress Catherine Laga'aia as the beloved Disney character who has also shared that the film has left a lasting impact on her.

Laga'aia mentioned that stepping into the lead role marked a milestone in her career, but the journey also became an important period of personal growth. She reflected on working on the film and that experience encouraged her to become more courageous and open to taking chances she once found intimidating.

The actress said:

"I learned a lot about myself, and I learned how to be brave. There were so many opportunities in that world that I was nervous to take and nervous to seize, because you don't know where you're going to end up."

She continued:

"But coming off the back of it and coming out the other side, I feel like I am much more likely to seize something, to go for something that maybe seems too far away, or too hard."

She admitted that there were moments when uncertainty made her hesitate, but completing the project gave her greater confidence to embrace opportunities that might have previously seemed out of reach.

Learn more about the film and Catherine Laga'aia's experience below!

How playing Moana reshaped Catherine Laga'aia's confidence

A look at Catherine Laga'aia as the Disney princess (Image via X/@DisneyStudiosIN)

As fans are waiting for the Moana live-action movie, its lead actress Catherine Laga'aia has revealed that the project became much more than just a job to her. One of the best things that happened was that the actress was able to take insights about herself and found her strengths.

At first, the opportunities looked overwhelming to Laga'aia. And since it was just the beginning of her career, she had a lot of questions and doubts about whether she should embrace certain experiences because she could not predict where they might lead. She said:

"I think maybe there's some divine thing that calls out to you that you maybe don't know yet, but I think just seizing every opportunity is the best way to do it."

She added:

"Coming off the back of it and coming out the other side, I feel like I am much more likely to seize something, to go for something that maybe seems too far away, or too hard."

By the time filming for Moana wrapped, Laga'aia's outlook changed completely. She didn't let hesitation take control and now feels far more willing to take chances and pursue opportunities that once appeared intimidating.

She believes that the film has contributed to her growth, especially developing courage and a stronger belief in herself. Comparing who she is today with the person who first stepped onto the Moana set, she says the difference is significant.

What to know about Moana before watching the movie

This project is Disney's new version of its 2016 animated movie, with real actors taking up different roles. The film won't be relying on a whole new story but will carry the same ideas and fun viewers enjoyed in the animated movie.

And since it has received a PG rating, children can also watch Moana on July 10, with some parental guidance for a few scenes. The story will take place on the fictional island of Motunui.

It follows Moana as the main figure who is assigned a very important task to save the world. For this, she joins forces with Maui, a powerful demigod. He is funny and confident and sometimes appears too proud of himself.

While Catherine Lagaʻaia will play the teenager, fan-favorite Dwayne Johnson will appear as Maui. Other cast members are John Tui, Frankie Adams, Rena Owen and a few more.