Katherine Lagaiya stays fearless in Moana's 32,000-to-1 race
Moana star Katherine Lagaiya shares her six-round audition journey, standing firm before Dwayne Johnson, and the Disney film's Korean box office run.
The casting process for Katherine Lagaiya, who was selected as the protagonist for the live-action film 'Moana', has been revealed. Lagaiya secured the lead role after overcoming a staggering 32,000-to-1 competition ratio.
The casting process was fierce. Lagaiya underwent six rounds of online video auditions before heading to New York with her father for the final stage. At the time, the casting director evaluated applicants by keeping the video conference active while rotating participants one by one.
Following the final audition, there was a months-long wait before the results were announced. Lagaiya recalled being so extremely nervous that she could not sleep. Director Thomas Kail personally delivered the news of her final selection in February 2025.
"The determination to not be intimidated even in front of Dwayne Johnson"
Director Thomas Kail cited a high level of synchronization with the character as the decisive reason for choosing Lagaiya. The director noted that Lagaiya showed no signs of being intimidated even when standing before heavyweight actor Dwayne Johnson. He further stated that her rich facial expressions—as if the Moana character had been transplanted into her—and her brave determination were the factors that led to her passing.
As a person of Samoan descent, Lagaiya confirmed her own identity through this work. "Moana is someone so special and precious to me," Lagaiya shared. "It is the work that allowed me to discover myself on screen for the first time."
Continuing success with over 540,000 admissions
The live-action film 'Moana' (directed by Thomas Kail, imported and distributed by Walt Disney Company Korea) tells the story of Moana, a girl chosen by the sea, who joins forces with the legendary hero Maui to sail into the unknown ocean to save an island fallen under a curse.
According to data from the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network, the film has drawn a cumulative audience of 540,553 as of the 13th. As of July 13, the Rotten Tomatoes Popcorn Index also stands at 90%, reflecting positive reception from audiences.
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