As Disney prepares to release its new live-action Moana film, star Catherine Laga'aia is speaking openly about her family background. With the movie hitting cinemas this Friday, many are curious about her famous connections and what it means to be starting her career in the spotlight.
Laga'aia, who was cast in the titular role in 2024, is the daughter of actor Jay Laga'aia. Her father is a familiar face to many cinema-goers for his portrayal of Captain Typho in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. In a recent conversation, the rising star tackled the 'nepotism baby' label head-on. The young actress refused to distance herself from her family's professional legacy.
'I Inherited Nepotism'
'I inherited nepotism, that's for sure', she stated with a laugh. 'I'll take that anytime.' The Moana star did not view her connection to her father as a point of contention. Instead, she framed it as a source of inspiration and a benchmark for her own performance.
The pressure to succeed in a live-action remake of a beloved 2016 animated hit is significant. The original animated film has gained a strong fanbase. For Laga'aia, her goal was ensuring her father's approval and honouring the spirit of the source material.
'I think having my dad in the industry, as well as wanting to do the OG proud, and wanting to do the people who love the movies proud, I feel my biggest thing was I wanted him to be proud', she explained.
She described her process as being deeply collaborative and respectful of her father's experience. 'He knows what's good, he knows what he likes. I'm someone on his side. That's the part of my family that I'm representing', Laga'aia noted.
'What Would My Dad Do?'
The actress admitted that during her preparation for the demanding role, she often found herself pondering a specific question to guide her craft: 'What would my dad do?' She views her participation in the project to extending the artistic legacy her father established before her.
Beyond the industry discussions, the actress also shared reflections on her upbringing. She described her childhood in a 'very little bubble' with seven siblings.
The actress humorously likened her family home to 'a little Motunui', noting the constant energy and bustle of a large household. Securing the role of Moana provided her with a sense of individual achievement within that dynamic, as she noted, 'I've got my thing now'.
Stepping Out of the Shadow of the Family Name
As the film prepares for its global release, Laga'aia stands ready to step out of the shadow of her family name and into her own. She now brings a new dimension to one of Disney's most iconic modern characters.
The film's debut marks a pivotal shift for Laga'aia as she transitions from a supportive family dynamic to a global stage. Her perspective on 'inherited nepotism' offers a refreshing departure from traditional industry defensiveness. Instead, she highlights a deeply rooted respect for her father's professional journey. By acknowledging her background while standing confidently in her own accomplishments, Laga'aia is successfully managing the intense expectations surrounding this Disney blockbuster.
She now stands ready to captivate audiences worldwide, proving that her unique path to stardom is built upon both family pride and individual dedication to her craft.
