'Moana' comes to life: Inside the making of Disney's film with Dwayne Johnson, Catherine Lagaʻaia

Disney's bravest wayfinder is back.

A new live-action adaptation of "Moana" is now in theaters and On The Red Carpet is celebrating with a special new episode filmed on location in Hawaii.

Catherine Laga'aia makes her big screen debut as the daring hero who sails way beyond her reef.

RELATED: Live-action 'Moana' sails into Hollywood Bowl with grand world premiere

"Disney and these live actions are so important," Laga'aia told On The Red Carpet. "So little kids can see real faces on screen doing the things that they loved and they inspire them."

Laga'aia, who was named Rising Star of 2026 at CinemaCon, was just 9 years old when the original animated "Moana" came out.

She's joined on screen by Dwayne Johnson, the original voice of the animated Maui, now bringing the beloved demigod to life in live action.

RELATED: 'Moana' costume designer says the film is her 'Polynesian Disney princess moment'

"I saw the final version just last week and, I mean, I got emotional," Johnson told On The Red Carpet. "It was beautiful, at places I didn't think I would get emotional at, too. The Grandma, Gramma Tala. Ugh, oh my God."

Johnson also commented on the long, flowing wig he wears in the film which has been the subject of great interest online since the earliest trailer was released.

"You're used to seeing me with a big bald head and then you see me with this long luxurious hair, it's jarring for people," he said with a laugh. "I was so entertained by a lot of everyone's comments, but I also knew, wait 'til you see the film. We made a good one and the hair is beautiful!"

RELATED: Choreographer casts hundreds of Pacific Islanders for Disney's live-action 'Moana'

The original voice of Moana, Auli'i Cravalho, is back as an executive producer on the new version. You'll hear from her in our new On The Red Carpet special along with Rena Owen (Gramma Tala), John Tui (Chief Tui), and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Our new special will also explore the vibrant culture and history that shaped the film's costumes, music, dance and more.

We'll also take you inside the film's epic world premiere at the iconic Hollywood Bowl and open our Video Vault for a look back at the original "Moana" premiere in 2016.

Plus, we'll give you a special look inside Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa on Oahu, where you can meet Moana and go on an ocean adventure of your own!

Watch "On The Red Carpet Presents: 'Moana'" in the video player above.

Disney is the parent company of this station.