Auli'i Cravalho Explains Why She Is Stepping Down from Portraying Moana in Live-Action Remake

Auli'i Cravalho's Decision

Auli'i Cravalho, known for her role as the voice of Moana in the 2016 Disney animated movie, has recently made headlines with her decision to step down from portraying the character in the movie's upcoming live-action remake. This decision comes as she prepares for her upcoming role in the movie adaptation of the Mean Girls stage musical. In an interview with TheWrap, Cravalho spoke candidly about her reasons for choosing not to reprise her role as Moana in the live-action remake.

Maui sings to Moana in Moana

Moana, a beloved film that showcased the story of a courageous wayfarer on a mission to restore peace to the seas, brought Cravalho into the spotlight and provided her with a platform to increase representation for the Pacific Islands in Hollywood. However, her decision to pass the baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent reflects her commitment to furthering the representation of her community in the entertainment industry.

Cravalho emphasized the importance of telling the stories of Pacific Islanders and expressed her desire to be involved behind the camera as much as she is in front of it. She highlighted the need for increased representation not only in front of the camera but also in writers' rooms, directorial roles, and among showrunners. By stepping away from the role of Moana, she aims to create opportunities for the next generation of Pacific Island stars and storytellers.

Returning Cast Members and Development

While Auli'i Cravalho has opted to step behind the camera for the live-action remake of Moana, there are confirmed returns from the original cast. Dwayne Johnson, who provided the voice of the cocky demigod Maui in the animated movie, has confirmed that he will reprise his role in the live-action adaptation. Johnson's personal connection to the character's early development has fueled his commitment to returning for the live-action remake.

In addition to Johnson's return, it is also expected that Alan Tudyk and Jermaine Clement will reprise their roles as the voices of the hapless chicken, Heihei, and the gigantic crab Tamatoa, respectively. Furthermore, talent from the original movie's development team will be involved in the live-action remake. Lin-Manuel Miranda, known for his work on the original animated feature, will return as a songwriter, and Jared Bush, the original screenplay writer, has also been confirmed to pen the upcoming retelling.

Implications of Cravalho's Decision

Auli'i Cravalho's decision to step away from portraying Moana in the live-action remake carries significant implications for the representation of Pacific Islanders in Hollywood. While the original Moana movie played a pivotal role in broadening audiences' knowledge of South Pacific culture and storytelling, the underrepresentation of this demographic on screen remains a pressing issue. Cravalho's decision reflects her commitment to addressing this disparity by creating opportunities for new South Pacific stars and ensuring respectful and celebratory representation of the region in the live-action remake of Moana.

As Cravalho prepares to take on a role behind the camera and advocates for the amplification of Pacific Island voices in the entertainment industry, her decision serves as a catalyst for change. By prioritizing the telling of authentic and diverse stories from the Pacific Islands, she aims to open doors for the next generation of talent and contribute to a more inclusive and representative landscape in Hollywood.