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 Tomball News
The live-action "Moana" film, set to hit theaters July 10, features Catherine Laga'aia in the title role, a casting decision that beat out 32,000 other applicants. For Tomball residents, this story may spark interest in local theater and arts programs, which can provide similar opportunities for young performers to hone their craft. The city's community events often showcase the talents of local students and performers, and the success of someone like Catherine Laga'aia can inspire aspiring actors in the area to pursue their own dreams. As the film's release approaches, it will be interesting to see if any local organizations or businesses capitalize on the excitement surrounding the movie, potentially hosting viewing parties or related events that bring the community together.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC13 Houston (KTRK) . Tomball 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 Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by OTRC at ABC13 Houston (KTRK). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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