Auliʻi Cravalho symbolically handed over her Moana paddle to actress Catherine Laga'aia during a welcome gesture in Hawaii [1, 2].

The transition marks a bridge between the original animated version of the character and the upcoming live-action adaptation. By passing the iconic tool of the voyager, Cravalho signals a supportive hand-off to the new lead actress who will portray the titular character on screen.

The hand-over was captured in a video released in June 2026 [3]. Filmed on location in Hawaii, the footage shows the two actresses connecting over the shared legacy of the role [3, 1]. The gesture serves as a welcoming rite of passage for Laga'aia as she steps into the role that Cravalho first voiced [2, 4].

Laga'aia described the initial outreach from her predecessor as a meaningful introduction to the production. "I had gotten an email from Auli'i … and she sent me a paddle as a gift," Laga'aia said [2].

Cravalho expressed enthusiasm for the new direction of the franchise and the talent of her successor. "I cannot wait to see her shine," Cravalho said [2].

The live-action Moana film is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 10, 2026 [2]. This release brings the story of the Polynesian voyager from animation to a physical performance, utilizing the natural landscapes of Hawaii to ground the narrative in its cultural roots [3, 1].

The symbolic passing of the paddle highlights the collaborative spirit between the original cast and the new ensemble, a move intended to maintain continuity for the global audience.

“"I cannot wait to see her shine."”

This gesture is a strategic move to ensure a smooth transition between the beloved animated legacy and the new live-action iteration. By publicly endorsing Laga'aia, Cravalho helps mitigate potential fan backlash regarding recasting and emphasizes cultural continuity and respect within the franchise's portrayal of Polynesian identity.