local
How Catherine Laga'aia beat out 32,000 applicants to play live-action 'Moana'
By OTRC at ABC13 Houston (KTRK - 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 Pearland
With Catherine Laga'aia's remarkable achievement in landing the role of Moana, Pearland residents can take pride in knowing that a talented individual from their own community has made it to the big screen. The fact that she beat out 32,000 other applicants is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication. As the live-action Moana hits theaters on July 10, locals will have the opportunity to see Laga'aia shine in the title role, bringing a sense of hometown pride to the cinematic experience. This achievement may also inspire aspiring actors and performers in Pearland, demonstrating that with hard work and perseverance, they too can achieve their dreams in the entertainment industry. The community will likely be eagerly anticipating the film's release, cheering on one of their own as she takes on this iconic role.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC13 Houston (KTRK - ABC) . The Pearland 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 ABC13 Houston (KTRK - ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: ABC13 Houston (KTRK - 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 ABC13 Houston (KTRK - ABC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by OTRC at ABC13 Houston (KTRK - ABC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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