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How Catherine Laga'aia beat out 32,000 applicants to play live-action 'Moana'
By OTRC at ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC)
· June 30, 2026
· 1 min read
Catherine Laga'aia won the role of a lifetime in the live-action "Moana." And we're finding out just how many others applied for the part! Watch her shine in "Moana" in theaters July 10.
Key takeaway Watch her shine in "Moana" in theaters July 10.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
The live-action adaptation of "Moana" is set to hit theaters on July 10, with San Francisco 's own Catherine Laga'aia taking on the title role. Her selection from a pool of 32,000 applicants is a testament to the city's thriving arts scene, which has long been a hub for talented performers. As the city's residents flock to theaters to support one of their own, local businesses near cinemas can expect a boost in foot traffic and sales. The film's success will also reflect positively on San Francisco's reputation as a launchpad for emerging talent, potentially attracting more production companies and investors to the area. With the city's diverse community and rich cultural heritage, it will be interesting to see how Laga'aia's performance resonates with local audiences and whether it sparks a new wave of interest in Pacific Islander storytelling.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Catherine Laga'aia won the role of a lifetime in the live-action "Moana." And we're finding out just how many others applied for the part! Watch her shine in "Moana" in theaters July 10.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by OTRC at ABC7 News (KGO-TV, ABC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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