Auli’i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana in the 2016 animated film, has recently opened up about her decision not to reprise her role in this new adaptation. This move, far from stepping back, signifies a bold step forward in her commitment to enhancing representation and diversity in the film industry.
During the promotion of her role in theMean Girlsfilm, Cravalho shared withTheWrapher motivations for relinquishing her prior position. Her decision is rooted in a desire to open doors for other Pacific Islander talents.
Cravalho’s vision aligns with that of other indigenous creatives like Taika Waititi. She highlights the need for indigenous individuals to occupy pivotal creative positions like writers, directors, and showrunners to genuinely convey their stories. At only 23, Cravalho is ready to be the catalyst for this change, eager to see a new generation take on the role of Moana and bring fresh perspectives to the story. Cravalho shared:
“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.”
Cravalho, who lent her voice to the spirited Moana, has become a prominent figure since the movie’s release. Her portrayal of the adventurous islander who embarked on a quest to save her people left a lasting impact on audiences. Joined by notable stars like Dwayne Johnson and Alan Tudyk, Cravalho’s performance was central to the movie’s success. However, following the announcement of the live-actionMoanaremake, she chose to hand over her role to another young Pacific Islander woman.
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While Cravalho steps away from the spotlight, the live-actionMoanais already shaping up with a mix of returning and new talents. Resuming the role of Maui, Dwayne Johnson returns, bringing his personal touch to the character. Behind the scenes, Lin-Manuel Miranda is confirmed to contribute his musical genius, and Jared Bush will be returning to pen the screenplay, ensuring continuity with the original film.
Beyond retelling a favorite story, the live-actionMoanarepresents a chance to introduce fresh talents and perspectives. This new direction is in line with Hollywood’s broader commitment to diversity and inclusion, impacting everything from casting to the highest levels of production.
Cravalho’s decision to forego reprising her role as Moana in the live-action version marks her as a forward-thinking and brave artist. It signifies a shift in the paradigm of representation in cinema, emphasizing the need for authentic storytelling and diverse perspectives in all aspects of filmmaking. As the industry continues to evolve, it is actions like Cravalho’s that will shape the future of entertainment – a future where every culture and community has a voice and a story to be shared on the global stage.
