Disney is giving Moana the live-action treatment and while Dwayne Johnson is returning to play Maui, we can’t say the same for Auliʻi Cravalho.
Cravalho played the Disney Princess in the 2016 animated film but will not reprise the role in the subsequent live-action. The 22-year-old took to Instagram to explain her decision to pass the part up to another actor and expressed gratitude for Moana.
“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career,” said Cravalho. “In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.”
Instead, Cravalho will take on the role of a producer and help find a suitable actress for the role.
She continued, “So, as an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength. I’m truly honoured to pass the baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent to honour our incredible peoples, cultures and communities that help inspire her story.”
Moana is not the only live-action remake coming from Disney. A live-action Lilo & Stitch is beginning production this Summer. The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey is swimming to theatres on 25 May 2023 while a live-action adaptation of Peter Pan & Wendy is currently streaming on Disney+.
Don’t judge a book by its cover, for behind all this makeup, is a geek just like you. To simply put it, superheroes, Star Wars, Harry Potter and all things gore and creepy makes this girly girl swoon.
Natalie
Trinity Sun
