local
How Catherine Laga'aia beat out 32,000 applicants to play live-action 'Moana'
By OTRC at ABC13 Houston (KTRK)
· 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 Sugar Land News
The live-action "Moana" film, set to hit theaters July 10, features Catherine Laga'aia in the title role, a significant achievement given the competition. With 32,000 applicants vying for the part, Laga'aia's success is a notable accomplishment. For Sugar Land residents, this story may resonate particularly with families who value the arts and entertainment. The city's strong school districts and community programs often emphasize the importance of creative expression, and Laga'aia's achievement can serve as an inspiration to local students interested in pursuing careers in the performing arts. As the film's release approaches, Sugar Land moviegoers will have the opportunity to see Laga'aia bring the beloved character to life on the big screen, and her story may spark conversations about the role of arts education in the community.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC13 Houston (KTRK) . Sugar Land News 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) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: ABC13 Houston (KTRK) ·
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) and curated for Sugar Land News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by OTRC at ABC13 Houston (KTRK). To learn more about how Sugar Land News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Sugar Land News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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