After the angelic voice of Auli’i Cravalho introduced the world to “How Far Will I Go” ten years ago, newcomer Catherine Laga’aia leads this new version and appears as the brave main character who learns to embrace her love of the sea. Born in Sydney, Australia, the 19-year-old rising star previously appeared in three episodes of “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart” as a young version of Candy, the character played by Frankie Adams. Laga’aia grew up with eight siblings; His father, Jay Lagaʻaia, is also an actor and appears in Star Wars films such as “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith” as Tycho Celchu.

Dwayne Johnson returns to play the cocky, moody demigod Maui, who accompanies Moana on her journey to return Te Fiti’s heart and save the island of Motunui. The ten-time WWE world champion quickly became a major box office star thanks to his roles in the “Jumanji” films, “Fast & Furious” and “Black Adam.” In recent years, he’s been in the awards conversation for director Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine” and recently landed a lead role in the “Sing Sing” director’s new film, “Free Byrd.”

Grandma Tala, played by Rena Owen, is the heart of “Moana” as Moana’s grandmother and the narrator who helps the Kakamora tribe reconnect with their roots. Owen, who was born in New Zealand, has worked with the likes of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, appearing in “AI Artificial Intelligence,” voicing Taun We in “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” and playing Nee Alavar in “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.” He recently reprized his role as Taun We in a 2021 episode of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch.”

John Tui (“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” “Solo: A Star Wars Story”) takes on the role of Chief Tui, Moana’s protective father and leader of the Motunui people. Although she encourages Moana to follow in her footsteps as chief, she is wary of her desire to explore the ocean beyond her home island. Temuera Morrison (“Aquaman,” “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith”) originated the role, and long-time Lin-Manuel Miranda collaborator Christopher Jackson (“Hamilton,” “In the Heights”) provided the singing voice of Chief Tui in the animated film.

Sina, Moana’s insightful mother, understands her daughter’s longing for water, but wants to protect her from danger. New Zealand Samoan actor Frankie Adams (“The Expanse,” “Shortland Street”) takes on the role, replacing Nicole Scherzinger (“Sunset Boulevard,” “The X Factor”) in the original.

Jemaine Clement (“Rio,” “What We Do in the Shadows”) returns as the dazzling king crab Tamatoa, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else performing the catchy song “Shiny” the same way. The jewel-encrusted crustacean holds a grudge against Maui and fiercely guards his shiny collection, including the demigod’s hook after it falls into his lair.

The reliable, if a little skittish, Pua, Moana’s pet pig, would follow her anywhere, even if he’s a little unsure of the ocean. The live-action production used a mix of real animals and animatronics to bring Moana’s companion to life. The animated Pua was voiced using a combination of real pig vocalizations and sound effects by voice actor Frank Welker, whose long list of credits includes Fred Jones in “Scooby Doo,” Pegasus in “Hercules,” Cri-Kee in “Mulan” and Abu, Rajah and the Cave of Wonders in “Aladdin.”

Heihei is a constantly confused rooster who accidentally joins Moana on her quest after seeking refuge on her boat. Always unaware of what is happening around him, Heihei simply agrees.

The Kakamora are hostile nomads who float across the sea and are easily identified by their armor made of coconut. Always ready to engage in battle, they are small but dangerous, especially when hundreds of them join together.

Te Kā is the giant, dangerous demon of earth and fire that Moana must overcome to successfully restore the heart of Te Fiti. Grandma Tala first tells Moana the story of Te Kā, who woke up when Maui stole Te Fiti’s heart. While fighting the demigod, the heart was eventually lost at sea, which only angered Te Kā further.