Auli’i Cravalho.Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Auli’i Cravalhois searching for the next Moana.
In April, Disney confirmed that alive-action reimagining of its 2016 animatedhitMoanais in the works, with original voice actors — Dwayne Johnson and Cravalho — as a producer and executive producer, respectively. No casting details were shared at the time.
Inan Instagram videoposted Friday, Cravalho, 22, confirmed that she will not be portraying Moana in the new version.
“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. 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 wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength.”
“I am truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honor our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures and communities that helped inspire her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come.”
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In a press release about theMoanaproject last month, Cravalho said of the character, “She has had such a profound impact on how we think of Disney princesses. Moana’s strength and perseverance are inspiring — to audiences around the world, to me and to everyone who helped bring her to life. I’m looking forward to sharing her story in a whole new way.”
Johnson, 51, added in a statement of his own, “I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen.”
Moana(2016).Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / courtesy Everett Collection
“I want to thank my partners at Disney for their strong commitment to this special endeavor, because there is no better world for us to honor the story of our people, our passion and our purpose than through the realm of music and dance, which is at the core of who we are as Polynesian people,” Johnson added.
source: people.com
