Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is showering praise on his young co-star, Catherine Laga‘aia, predicting that the 19-year-old newcomer is on the cusp of major Hollywood stardom. Johnson’s commendation came during the Sydney premiere of Disney‘s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of “Moana,” where the two actors walked the blue carpet together.

The 54-year-old actor, who reprises his role as the demigod Maui, spoke candidly about the immense pressure and opportunity facing the Australian actress. He remarked that headlining a project of this scale is a significant undertaking for anyone, especially a newcomer, but he expressed unwavering confidence in her abilities .

“The film is called Moana, that is a lot on her shoulders,” Johnson told reporters at the event. “It is so exciting for her, life as you know it will never be the same, it is so cool” . His comments reflect the massive global platform the Disney franchise provides, which has previously amassed billions at the box office across its animated installments .

Despite the daunting nature of leading a major studio blockbuster, Johnson is not concerned about Laga‘aia buckling under the weight of fame. He credited her strong family bonds and cultural grounding as key factors that will help her navigate the upcoming turbulence of global recognition .

“She has a great grounding at home with her culture and her dad, her sisters, her mum,” Johnson explained, noting that this support system ensures she remains humble and focused. He added confidently that she is “going to do pretty well” in the industry, a significant vote of confidence from one of Hollywood‘s highest-grossing stars .

For Laga‘aia, a Sydney native of Samoan heritage, Moana represents her first major feature film role. Until now, she has had limited screen credits, including a brief appearance in the Prime Video series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. She is also set to appear in the upcoming Australian horror film Crashout . The actress was just 17 when she landed the part after a global casting search that reviewed thousands of submissions .

According to director Thomas Kail, who helmed the production, Laga‘aia possessed a unique quality that set her apart. He recalled that she impressed the team immediately, describing her as “something special” and noting that her preparation and energy distinguished her from competitors .

The live-action remake reimagines the beloved 2016 animated adventure, following the titular character as she sails beyond the reef to save her people alongside the shape-shifting demigod Maui . The film sees Johnson stepping back into a role he has described as deeply personal. He previously revealed that his portrayal of Maui was inspired by his late grandfather, a Samoan professional wrestling legend .

Johnson, who also serves as a producer on the project, has been heavily involved in the film‘s rollout. At the Sydney event, which celebrated Pacific cultures with a performance by the band Te Vaka, he highlighted Laga’aia’s resilience . He noted that she held her own during production, even when filming challenging sequences in a water tank. “I was unrelenting,” Johnson admitted, emphasizing that getting the story right for audiences worldwide was his priority .

The upcoming live-action adaptation features music from the original creative team, including Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mark Mancina, alongside a new song titled “Along the Way,” performed by Laga‘aia, Johnson, and original Moana voice actress Auli’i Cravalho . The film is scheduled for release in theaters on July 8, 2026, in Australia and New Zealand, with a U.S. debut following on July 10 .