Auli’i Cravalho shared with her fans the news that she will not be reprising the role of Moana in Disney’s planned live-action remake. Cravalho lent her voice to the 2016 animated film at the age of 14.
“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it amazingly changed my life and launched my career,” she said in a video posted to Instagram. “In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely critical that the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.
Cravalho continued, “That’s why, as an executive producer on the film, I can’t wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable intelligence, and emotional strength.” Pacific Island Lineage I’m truly honored to hand this baton off to the next young woman to honor the cultures and communities of our incredible Pacific peoples who help inspire her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representations to come. Waiting for.
Watch Cravalho’s video statement below.
Earlier this year Dwayne Johnson revealed a live-action Moana The remake was in the works. Johnson voiced the demigod Maui in the animated film and will not only reprise his role in the remake but will also be a producer alongside Denny Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Beau Flynn, Cravalho, and Scott Sheldon.
“I am extremely humbled and grateful to be able to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen,” Johnson said in the announcement. “This story is my culture, and this story embodies the grace and warrior power of our people. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and in the mind and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia This is the opportunity of a lifetime to reconnect with the inspired Maui that runs very deep for me.”
