Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has predicted a bright future for Catherine Laga'ia, the young Australian actress set to star as Moana in the upcoming live-action remake of the Disney film. Johnson, who reprises his role as demigod Maui, attended the film's special event in Sydney on Thursday night alongside Laga'ia.
"The film is called Moana, that is a lot on her shoulders," Johnson told The Daily Telegraph. "It is so exciting for her, life as you know it will never be the same, it is so cool."
Laga'ia, a 19-year-old Sydney native, holds a Diploma of Stage and Screen from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). While this marks her major screen debut, she previously had minor roles in the television series "The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart" and is set to appear in the upcoming Australian horror film "Crashout."
Johnson, 54, commented on Laga'ia's background, noting her Samoan and English heritage. "She is going to do pretty well" he stated, attributing this to her "great grounding at home with her culture and her dad, her sisters, her mum."
At the Sydney premiere, Laga'ia wore a semi-sheer beige gown with floral applique and a corseted midriff, complemented by high heels and amber gemstone earrings.
Johnson himself opted for a white T-shirt, a pale grey jacket, black trousers, and accessorized with a floral garland and retro white-rimmed reading glasses.
The live-action "Moana," directed by Thomas Kail, is a remake of the 2016 animated adventure and follows the titular character's journey across the sea with Maui to restore prosperity to her people. The film is scheduled to premiere for Australian and New Zealand audiences on July 8.