Auli’i Cravalho Won’t Reprise Lead Role In ‘Moana’ Live-Action, ‘Can’t Wait’ To Help Find New Lead

Auli’i Cravalho will not reprise his lead role in the upcoming Disney Vaiana live-action film, which will again see Dwayne Johnson as the demigod Maui.

Cravalho took to social media on Friday to announce she wouldn’t be returning to the role in the film, but she’s excited to find the next young woman of Pacific Islander descent to lead the remake.

“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it changed my life beautifully and started my career,” she said. “In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I think it’s absolutely vital that the casting accurately represents the characters and the stories we want to tell.”

He continued, “So, as executive producer on the film, I look forward to helping find the next actress to portray the brave spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength of Moana. I am truly honored to pass this torch on to the next young woman of Pacific Islander descent to honor our incredible peoples, cultures and communities that help inspire her story.

Johnson announced the Vaiana remake at Disney’s shareholder meeting in April, explaining that Polynesian history is personal to him and his people.

“I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is something that runs very deep for me” , he said.

The retelling of history marks Disney’s first live-action feature film to be remade since the 21st century. With the studio’s strategy shifting, it’s possible the company could remake some of its new animated stories like Frozen AND Tangled.

A Lillo & Stitch the live-action remake will begin production this summer.