Auli’i Cravalho, the Disney star who played the lead role of Moana at the age of 14, has decided not to reprise her role in the live-action remake. Instead, she will serve as an executive producer on the project. In an Instagram post, she shared her thoughts on why it was important to have accurate representation in casting.
“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career. In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role,” she said. “I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.”
She went on to add, “I am truly honoured to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent to honour our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures, and communities that helped inspire her story, and I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come.”
Cravalho is excited to take on the role of executive producer in finding the next actress to portray the character, ensuring that the new Moana accurately represents the character’s courageous spirit, wit, and emotional strength.
