Moana has been around since 2016, and over the years, it has accumulated a huge fandom. The franchise’s popularity stems from the amazing storyline, visuals, soundtracks, and characters. Now, as we head towards the live-action that will be released in 2026, here, we talk about the primary characters and cast who made Moana and Moana 2 memorable. Here is a list of all Moana cast members.
Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana Waialiki
Moana Waialiki is the heart and soul of the animated film Moana and its sequel, Moana 2. She is one of the most inspiring and admired Disney Princesses who taught everyone that you are enough for yourself. While we grew up watching Disney princesses defined by love and romance, Moana brings uniqueness to the table. She doesn’t need any prince to be her shield because she is the epitome of courage and power, and that makes the audience relate to her. The first film introduces us to a 16-year-old Moana, who the ocean chooses for a mission, i.e., to restore Te Fiti’s stolen heart and save the Island. The second film sees the princess evolving into an integrative leader who must fulfill her duties toward her people and also work toward her dreams.
“I’ll find a way, even if I have to carve it myself.”
Auliʻi Cravalho is an American actress who has appeared in several incredible television shows and films since 2016. However, Moana turned out to be her breakthrough role, which bombarded her with several accolades for ‘Best Vocal Performance in a Feature Film.’ While fans wanted to see her bagging the titular role in Moana live-action, she stunned the fandom by passing the role to Catherine Lagaʻaia and herself becoming the executive producer of the film.
Dwayne Johnson as Maui
Voiced by Dwayne Johnson, Maui initially starts as an arrogant and self-centered demigod. However, with the story moving forward, he transforms into the most trustworthy ally of our titular heroine, Moana. You can also say that he becomes a brother figure for Moana, who wouldn’t think twice before sacrificing even his magical hook for her sake.
“Hooks break, storms rage, but Maui? Maui sticks around.”
Dwayne’ The Rock’ Johnson, the professional wrestler, entered acting in 2001, and since then, he has blessed the industry with several iconic characters. These include Teth Adam in Black Adam, Hobbs in the Fast and Furious franchise, and more. Despite starring in some of the popular franchises like Fast and Furious and Jumanji, Moana emerges as the highest-rated film of the actor. Intriguingly, he will be the one to portray the character in the 2026 live-action as well.
Rachel House as Gramma Tala
Gramma Tala is only with us for 25 minutes in the first film in her living form, after which she stays by Moana’s side as a spiritual guide. She is Moana’s grandmother, who was recognized by the people of Motunui as the village’s crazy lady. Gramma Tala encourages Moana to explore the sea, gives her the heart of Te Fiti, and asks her to catch Maui.
“The ocean chose you, Moana. And when you find Maui, you grab him by the ear and say, ‘I am Moana of Motunui!’”
Rachel House lends her voice to Gramma Tala in the film. She is a New Zealand actress who has been in the industry since 1992. Besides appearing in significant roles in television series and films, House has also served as an acting coach in projects like Power of the Dog, Jojo Rabbit, Next Goal Wins, and more.
Nicole Scherzinger as Sina
Sina is Moana’s mother, who never fails to support her daughter’s dreams. She has been a perfect wife and mother, always showing up whenever her husband or daughter needed someone to talk to. She never cared for herself and devoted her entire life to her family. In Season 1, she nurtures Moana and prepares her to take the lead in life, and in the sequel, she takes the back seat and witnesses her daughter evolving.
”Sometimes who we wish we were, what we wish we could do—it’s just not meant to be- Sina to Moana
Nicole Scherzinger is an ultra-talented public figure who has captivated a huge fandom with her acting, singing, and dancing skills. However, it wasn’t until she voiced Sina in Moana and Moana 2 that she truly achieved what she deserved.
Alan Tudyk as Heihei
Every hero needs a sidekick who can make them laugh at their stupidity when the tides get high, and Heihei is one such character in Moana. He is the pet rooster of our titular character, who enters Moana’s life without making any noise. However, he ends up becoming an irreplaceable part of her life, though.
Alan Tudyk is an American actor who has entertained us with his brilliant performances in several films and television shows, such as Wonder Boys and Frasier. He has also voiced many Walt Disney characters in the most acclaimed projects, including Encanto, Ice Age, Frozen, and more. His recent vocal performance was featured in Millie Bobby Brown’s starrer The Electric State in the form of Cosmo.
Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui
Chef Tui is Moana’s protective father, who was extremely praised by the global fandom for the emotional depth he brings to the story. When he was young, his friend died by drowning in the ocean during a heavy storm, and that event left a permanent scar on Tui’s heart. So, he always opposed her daughter’s dream to explore the ocean. However, after witnessing Moana’s successful sail, he transformed into a proud father who would cheer for her daughter instead of becoming a hurdle in her path.
Temuera Morrison is a New Zealand actor who started his journey as an actor when he was 11 years old. His first film, Rangi’s Catch, was released in 1973, and since then, he has worked on several projects, the latest being Chief of War, which was released in 2024.
Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa
Tamatoa is Moana’s secondary antagonist, who harbors a narcissistic attitude. He entered the game as a troublemaker for Moana and Maui, as he had the latter’s shapeshifting hook. Well, he was a villain who was defeated by the heroine in the final moments, but he survived somehow. Despite that, he didn’t make a comeback in the second film.
Here’s again a New Zealand actor, Jemaine Clement, who contributed heavily to the success of Moana. He is popularly recognized for his humorous roles, specifically in Flight of the Conchords, which was released in 2007. Throughout the years, Clement has bombarded the industry with several iconic roles.
Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Simea
Simea is the adorable younger daughter of Sina and Chief Tui. She enters the frame as a supporting character but doesn’t take the time to become a fan-favorite character. She loves and idolizes Moana and looks forward to becoming courageous like her. When Moana prepares to leave for the sail, Simea pleads to go with her. She brings an emotional weight to the sequel film that makes the franchise even more impactful.
Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda is a Hawaiian actress who made her acting debut as Moana 2’s Simea.
Tofiga Fepulea’i as Nalo
Nalo is introduced as the main antagonist in Moana 2. He is a storm god who wants to isolate humanity, so he curses the people of Motufetu Island. He is basically the reason for Moana’s mission of reuniting the people of the ocean. He temporarily kills Moana in the film, but she gets resurrected as a demigoddess and pushes him towards his defeat. However, like Tamatoa, Nalo is also overpowered by our heroine but is not killed.
Tofiga Fepulea’i lends his voice to Nalo, and to be honest, no one else could’ve done it better. He is a New Zealand actor best known for his contributions to Laughing Samoans, the stand-up comedy duo.
Awhimai Fraser as Matangi
Matangi is more of a gray character who initially begins as an antagonist, but with the story’s progression, we learn the reasons behind her cruel acts. Nalo has controlled and isolated her for centuries, and that’s why, when Moana arrives, she joins forces with the heroine. She helps her in the fight against the storm god, and later doesn’t shy away from confronting him.
Awhimai Fraser voices Matangi in Moana 2. She is a New Zealand actress who lent her voice to Elsa in Frozen in the Maori. Besides that, she is known for her roles in Encounters and Ahikaroa.
Source: Beebom
