Auliʻi Cravalho will not be reprising her titular role in the live-action Moana – The Hollywood Reporter
Auliʻi Cravalho will not be reprising her titular role in the upcoming Disney Moana The live-action movie, which will once again see Dwayne Johnson take on the role of demigod Maui.
Cravalho took to social media Friday to announce that she won’t be returning to the role in the movie but is excited to find the next young woman from the Pacific Island to helm the remake.
“When I was cast as Moana at the age of 14, it changed my life wonderfully and launched my career,” she said. “In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I think it is critical that the acting accurately represent the characters and the stories we want to tell.”
She continued, “So, as an executive producer on the film, I can’t wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s fearless spirit, wit and undeniable emotional strength. I am truly honored to pass that baton on to the young woman coming from the Pacific Island to honor our people, cultures and communities.” Brilliant that helps inspire her story.”
Johnson announced Moana Remake at Disney’s shareholders meeting in April, stating that the Polynesian story is personal to him and his people.
“I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, Supreme Commander Peter Maivia, is one of the profound for me,” he said.
This retelling of the story marks the first Disney live-action feature to be remade from the 21st century. With the studio’s strategy now changing, it’s possible that the company may rework some new animation stories such as frozen And tangled.
a Lilo and Stitch Production on the live-action film is set to begin this summer.