THE APEX TIMES
Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga‘aia Say ‘Moana’ Legacy and Representation Guide Live-Action Remake Song
In an appearance tied to Disney’s “Finish the Lyrics” game, the original “Moana” star and the live-action remake performer discussed carrying forward the franchise’s themes while introducing a new generation to the character.
Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga‘aia appeared together in a Disney-themed “Finish the Lyrics” segment, where both performers addressed how the “Moana” franchise continues to bridge audiences across generations for the live-action remake.
In conversation with Billboard, Laga‘aia described a personal connection to Moana, saying, “Getting to grow up with Moana and having that representation is so important to young girls.” Her remarks framed the live-action project as more than a re-staging of a popular story, emphasizing the role of on-screen representation for younger viewers.
Johnson, who voices Maui in the animated film, and Laga‘aia, who plays Moana in the live-action version, spoke about uniting what they characterized as the “O.G. Moana” era with “New G Moana,” language that positioned the remake as a continuation rather than a replacement.
The discussion centered on a live-action remake song moment, with the performers treating the musical material as a common thread connecting older fans who first encountered Moana through animation and younger viewers encountering the character through the remake.
As part of the same media push, the segment also used the interactive “Finish the Lyrics” format tied to Disney entertainment, a structure that highlights familiarity with the franchise’s songs while drawing new viewers into the brand through a game-style public moment.
Billboard’s interview placed the performers’ remarks in the context of audience experience, focusing on why themes like identity and belonging matter to families watching together, and how a new cast can keep the character’s meaning consistent while tailoring it to a new production.
The next steps for the franchise, based on the outlet’s coverage, are tied to the release and promotion cycle for Disney’s live-action remake and its associated music moments, with the public dialogue continuing to connect legacy cast perspectives to the remake’s on-screen storytelling approach.
Why It Matters
- The remarks highlight how the remake is being positioned to connect multigenerational audiences through both legacy and new performance.
- Public promotion that centers family-friendly games and franchise songs can expand participation beyond viewers who already know the animated original.
- By foregrounding representation, the discussion indicates that casting and character interpretation remain central themes in how the remake is marketed.
- The promotional timeline reflected in the coverage suggests that Disney is using interactive formats to keep existing fans engaged while onboarding new viewers.
Key Facts
- Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga‘aia appeared together in a Disney “Finish the Lyrics” game segment reported by Billboard.
- Billboard reported that Laga‘aia discussed growing up with Moana and what representation means for young girls.
- The performers framed the live-action remake as uniting what they called “O.G. Moana” and “New G Moana.”
- Billboard described the conversation as tied to a song moment connected to the live-action remake.
- The interview emphasized continuity of themes through the remake’s portrayal and musical material.