Catherine from 'Moana' beat 32,000-to-1 odds with her courage... Dwayne Johnson's 'fatherly heart' in support of the 17-year-old actress

[Financial News] "I felt a real connection with Moana in so many ways. I especially related to the emotions she goes through."
Catherine Laga'aia, 19, who was chosen as the lead in Disney's live-action 'Moana' after beating 32,000-to-1 odds, said she felt that kinship with Moana during a video interview on the 29th.
The live-action version of the animated classic, released nine years after the original, is based on the voyaging traditions and myths of Polynesian culture in the South Pacific. It follows Moana, a girl chosen by the ocean, as she sets out into the unknown with the legendary hero Maui, played by Dwayne Johnson, to save a cursed island. The original film drew 5.86 million viewers in Korea and grossed about $1.7 billion worldwide, winning wide acclaim.
Like Dwayne Johnson, who plays Maui, Catherine is also of Polynesian descent, allowing her to portray Moana in a way that connects directly to her own cultural roots.
She said, "Leaving the familiar home you love and heading somewhere new is a major challenge for anyone." She added, "I deeply related to the anxiety and excitement that come with that process."
One scene in particular, where Moana prepares to part from her mother, also resonated with her own experience. Catherine said, "There is a scene before Moana leaves in which her mother tells her, 'You know who you are, and you know what you have to do.'" She added, "I received similar encouragement from my mother before I left home for filming." She continued, "My mother told me, 'You were chosen for a reason, and there is a reason you need to go there.' That is why I could relate to Moana even more."
Catherine also emphasized that the biggest message Moana sends to audiences is courage.
She said, "I think it is really important for all of us to take on things that scare us and make us unsure whether we can do them well. Looking back, those moments ended up bringing me the greatest rewards in life. When you get through something difficult, you feel truly proud of yourself and are surprised to realize, 'I really was able to do that.'"
She added, "Moana is exactly the kind of person who represents that courage. She looks beyond the reef, takes on what seems impossible, and ultimately overcomes it. I hope audiences can find that same courage through the film."

'Moana' is the first feature film directed by Thomas Kail, who staged the Broadway musicals 'Hamilton: An American Musical' and 'In the Heights.'
Recalling the casting process, Kail said, "The moment I saw Catherine's first audition video singing 'How Far I'll Go,' I remember jumping out of my chair and shouting, 'Maybe we've found her.'"
He continued, "The moment Catherine walked into the room in New York, we all knew, 'This is the one.' The moment we found Moana, Maui was complete too, and I thought we could finally begin making this film."
For Dwayne Johnson, who voiced Maui in the original film, this movie is especially meaningful.
Johnson said, "Maui feels like part of our Polynesian culture." He added, "As a man and as a father, what resonated most with me was Maui believing in Moana and supporting her as she lives her own life."
He continued, "I always feel the same way while raising my daughters. A parent's role is to stand behind their children, watch over them, and support them as they find their own path." He recalled, "When Catherine first came to the set, Thomas Kail and I felt exactly the same way."
He said, "At 17, taking on the lead role in 'Moana' must have been terrifying and overwhelming." He added, "We told her, 'Go for it. We'll be behind you.' I thought it was most important to believe in a young actor and support her so she can walk her own path with confidence."

jashin@fnnews.com Shin Jin-a Reporter