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 The Piney Point
For Piney Point Village residents, Catherine Laga'aia's achievement in landing the role of Moana is a testament to the thriving arts scene in the Houston area. With over 32,000 applicants vying for the part, her selection is a notable accomplishment that reflects the region's deep pool of talented performers. As the live-action film prepares to hit theaters on July 10, local fans will have the opportunity to see Laga'aia bring the beloved character to life on the big screen. This success story may also inspire aspiring actors and performers in Piney Point Village and surrounding communities, demonstrating that with dedication and hard work, they too can pursue their dreams in the entertainment industry. The film's release will likely generate buzz and excitement among local moviegoers, making it a highly anticipated event in the area.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC13 Houston (KTRK) . The Piney Point 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
Get more The Piney Point stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by OTRC at ABC13 Houston (KTRK). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter