Catherine Laga'aia has opened up about her experience working on the live-action Moana. Some moments in an actor's career arrive quietly, while others announce themselves the second the cameras start rolling. This one belonged firmly to the second category, carrying a weight that stretched far beyond a single scene or a single day on set. Laga'aia now stands at the centre of a story that the world has been waiting to see unfold.

Excitement and pressure rarely arrive together this evenly matched, but for Laga'aia, this particular song managed exactly that balancing act.

Catherine Laga'aia has confirmed that performing 'How Far I'll Go' pushed her far outside her comfort zone. The track carries a legacy built by Auli'i Cravalho's original performance, and Laga'aia was fully aware of the shoes she needed to fill.

"It was really nerve-wracking but also really exciting," she said while speaking to Discussing Film.

She then added, "It's such an iconic song and to get to perform it and show it off at this scale is something that I'm sure countless amounts of people want to do," emphasizing the scale of the responsibility placed on her shoulders.

The live-action Moana follows the same emotional core as the 2016 original. Moana, the curious daughter of a village chief on the island of Motunui, answers a call from the ocean and sails beyond the reef for the first time. Alongside the demigod Maui, she sets out to restore the heart of Te Fiti and save her community from a spreading blight. The retelling leans on Pacific Islander culture, adventure and the familiar songs that shaped the animated version.

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While the story stays familiar, the reactions surrounding its new lead suggest something entirely fresh is unfolding.

Catherine Laga'aia has already earned considerable praise from those closest to the project. Lin-Manuel Miranda has described the search for Moana as a global one that ultimately led directly to her. Original voice actress Auli'i Cravalho expressed genuine admiration for how Laga'aia embodies the character, while director Thomas Kail suggested no other performer could have taken on the part. The tone from the creative team points toward strong confidence heading into release.

The film brings together a wider ensemble alongside Laga'aia. Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as Maui, joined by John Tui as Chief Tui, Frankie Adams as Sina, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. Jemaine Clement also returns to voice Tamatoa, rounding out a cast built to honour the original story. As anticipation builds toward release, Laga'aia's candid reflection on tackling 'How Far I'll Go' offers a glimpse into just how personal this journey has become for her.

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What are your thoughts on Catherine Laga'aia taking on this iconic song for Moana? Let us know in the comments.