Dwayne Johnson Hails Aussie Moana Stars Rise

is in promoting the new Moana film. 

The live action remake of the popular animated feature stars Johnson as demigod Maui and Australian newcomer Catherine Laga'aia as Moana. 

The 19-year-old Sydney actress walked the blue carpet alongside Johnson, 54, on Thursday night as they attended Disney's Moana Special Event at the ICC Sydney Theatre. 

Johnson had high praise for Laga'aia, who makes her big screen debut in the hotly anticipated upcoming release and, according to the Hollywood superstar, is set to make waves in the industry. 

'The film is called Moana, that is a lot on her shoulders,' the Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle star told The Daily Telegraph. 

'It is so exciting for her, life as you know it will never be the same, it is so cool'. 

Johnson said that Laga'aia, who is of Samoan and English descent, was 'going to do pretty well' as she has a 'great grounding at home with her culture and her dad, her sisters, her mum.' 

Laga'aia holds a Diploma of Stage and Screen from the prestigious acting school NIDA and takes on a massive role in the Disney film, having only minor acting credits to her name. 

She previously appeared in the television series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart in just a handful of episodes. 

The rookie actress also has a lead role in the upcoming Australian found footage horror film, Crashout, alongside Talk to Me star Joe Bird. 

Laga'aia appeared to be in her element as she posed alongside Johnson at the Sydney premiere on Thursday.  

The pair interacted with fans and posed for pictures atop a sprawling blue carpet - a nod to the film's ocean-voyaging story.

Laga'aia stunned in a semi-sheer beige gown with a white, floral applique and a corseted midriff. 

She added a pair of towering high heels that matched her dress and accessorised with amber gemstone earrings.