Auli’i Cravalho was previously announced as a producer on the upcoming live-action version of Disney’s Moana, but she will not be reprising her role on screen.
The 22-year-old actress took to her Instagram account on Friday (May 19) to explain why she will not be playing Moana in the live-action movie.
Auli’i and co-star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson are teaming up to produce the film together and it’s unclear if he will reprise his role or not.
Keep reading to find out more…
“Aloha Mai Kakou,” Auli’i said in her video. “As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, live-action Moana is in the works and you all have been waiting very patiently for updates. So, I’ve written a few things down. 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] the cast accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell. So, as an executive producer of the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit, and emotional strength. I’m truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent to honor our incredible Pacific people’s cultures and communities that helped inspire her story and I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come. Mahalo.”
Watch the video below!
