- Auli’i Cravalho has chosen not to reprise her role as Moana in the live-action adaptation to promote diversity and representation in the film industry.
- Cravalho wants another young Pacific Islander woman to take on the role and believes indigenous individuals need to occupy creative positions to share their stories genuinely.
- The live-action Moana remake offers an opportunity to introduce new talents and perspectives, supporting Hollywood’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 animated film, recently revealed her reasoning behind not returning in the upcoming live-action adaptation. Instead of backing away, this decision reflects her dedication to promoting representation and diversity within the film industry.
While promoting her role in Mean Girls, Cravalho disclosed to TheWrap her motivation for giving up her previous role. Her choice is based on her desire to create opportunities for other Pacific Islander artists.
Cravalho’s goal aligns with other indigenous creatives such as Taika Waititi, emphasizing the importance of indigenous people holding key creative positions like writers, directors, and showrunners to genuinely represent their stories. At 23 years old, Cravalho is prepared to be a catalyst for this change and looks forward to a new generation taking on Moana’s role and bringing fresh perspectives. In Cravalho’s words:
“It feels really important to me to pass the baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, and I say that with my whole chest. I have been invited, and I exist in these beautiful AAPI spaces, Asian American Pacific Islander, and I am one of the few Pacific Islanders. And I’ll say it again, I am one of the few Pacific Islanders. And our stories are so important to be told.
We are used. And I want to tell our own stories. I want to be behind the camera as much as I am in front of it. When I talk about representation, I want to see the same thing happening in writers rooms. I want to see the same thing happening with directors. And Taika Waititi talks about this as well, I wanna see showrunners who are also of indigenous descent telling their own stories.
And if it has to start with me — I’m 23, but if it starts with me, so be it. I want that door to swing wide open, and I cannot wait to meet the next Moana.”
Since Moana’s release, Cravalho has become a prominent figure, and her portrayal of the adventurous islander on a quest to save her people left a lasting impact on audiences. Cravalho was central to the film’s success, which also starred Dwayne Johnson and Alan Tudyk. However, with the announcement of the live-action Moana remake, she decided to entrust the role to another young Pacific Islander woman.
The live-action Moana is taking shape with a blend of returning and new talent. Dwayne Johnson will reprise his role as Maui, and Lin-Manuel Miranda will contribute to the music, while Jared Bush returns as the screenplay writer, ensuring continuity with the original film. The movie represents an opportunity to introduce fresh talents and perspectives, in line with Hollywood’s wider commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Cravalho’s decision to not reprise her Moana role in the live-action adaptation showcases her as a forward-thinking and courageous artist. It highlights a shift in the representation paradigm in movies, emphasizing the need for authentic storytelling and diverse viewpoints in all aspects of filmmaking. As the industry continues to evolve, actions like Cravalho’s will shape the future of entertainment, where every culture and community has a voice and a story to share on the world stage.