Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced the character of Moana in the 2016 animated film, has announced she won’t be starring in Disney’s upcoming live-action remake.
The actor shared the news on social media, revealing she’s taking on another role instead:
“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career,” the now 22-year-old explains.
“In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell. So as an executive producer on the film, I cannot waitt to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength.”
Auli’i continues: “I’m truly honoured to pass the baton to the next woman of Pacific Island descent to honour our incredible Pacific people, cultures and communities that help inspire her story, and I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come. Mahalo.”
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A live-action remake of the beloved children’s animation was announced by Dwayne Johnson in April this year. He voiced demi-god Maui in the original:
“I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of ‘Moana’ to the live-action big screen,” he shared in a video posted to Instagram at the time.
“This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength.”
Auli’i most recently starred in The Power, a sci-fi drama series on Prime Video alongside Toni Collette and John Leguizamo. The series is based on the novel of the same name by Naomi Alderman and follows the electrifying story – literally – of teenage girls and young women who develop the power to create electricity within themselves – and use it to electrocute people at will.
(Feature Image Credit: Tinseltown/Shutterstock)