A disappointing change was made to the cast of Disney’s live-action Moana movie starring Dwayne Johnson. Johnson said that a live-action “reimagining” of Moana is in the works at the Walt Disney Company 2023 Shareholders Meeting.
The head of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, Sean Bailey, said that the project is still in its early stages and is “exciting” to “tell such a meaningful story on a live-action canvas.”
Auli’i Cravalho Not Returning As Moana: What is The Reason?
Well, we just got some big news! Moana’s voice in the animated movie was done by Auli’i Cravalho. She just shared a video on Instagram saying that she won’t be playing the character again.
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“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career,” she said. “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.”
Even though the 22-year-old won’t be playing Moana, she said she’ll still be a part of the project. She said, “As the film’s executive producer, I can’t wait to help find the next actress who can show Moana’s bravery, 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 inspired her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come. Mahalo,” she concluded.
Who Will Play The Live-Action Moana?
Auli’i Cravalho will not play Moana in the live-action version, which is a shame because she did a great job as the character in the animated movie. Still, Cravalho may have chosen to leave because she is too old for the job.
Moana is 16 years old in the film, but the actor who plays her is already 22 and will be at least 23 when the live-action film is made. With this latest change, Disney can find a new actor to play the famous part. A newbie like Cravalho could play Moana in 2016.
We hope that the new actor who will play Moana will bring her style to the role and inspire the people of the Pacific with her stunning performance.
