One of the movies, I am looking forward to seeing in 2016 is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ MOANA. During my trip to D23 Expo, we were thrilled to have Dwayne Johnson make an appearance to announce the movie. However, the voice of the title character was still up in the air and much speculation as to who would be cast buzzed around the internet for months.
After a worldwide search, Disney MOANA just announced that Native Hawaiian newcomer Auli’i Cravalho, 14 has been cast as the film’s title character.
Auli’i Cravalho joins Dwayne Johnson in the big-screen adventure about a spirited and fearless teenager named Moana (voice of Cravalho) who, with help from demi-god Maui (voice of Johnson), sets out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder.
LEARN HOW WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS’ FOUND THEIR LEADING LADY FOR MOANA
While hundreds of talented people from across the Pacific Islands were eager to try out for the role, Cravalho set her sights firmly on her sophomore year of high school. “I didn’t think I would have a chance,” she said. “When I was little, I used to dance around the house singing at the top of my lungs. In my mind, that was performing and I loved the feeling of it. But I never imagined being in a Disney movie, being Moana—representing my culture in that way.”
Fortunately, the film’s Hawai’i casting director remembered an unrelated audition Cravalho did as part of an a cappella group, which had been submitted for a talent showcase for a charity. Feeling the local teen would be perfect for the Disney role, she tracked her and her mother down and invited Cravalho to audition. “Her audition was fantastic – she was such a raw talent,” said producer Osnat Shurer. “Auli’i was among a small number of girls we brought back for a second round of auditions. Then we flew her and her mom over to audition at our studios in Burbank.”
“Auli’i demonstrated a certain fearlessness in her auditions and call-backs,” said director John Musker. “She has a playful, mischievous wit. She can project vulnerability, she doesn’t seem intimidated at all by the challenges ahead, and her Polynesian background has helped shape her connection to family, hard work and music. These are all qualities she shares with Moana.”
I am excited to hear this young talent when the movie premieres next year.
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MOANA sails into theaters on November 23rd 2016!
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom was not compensated for this post. #MOANA
so happy Disney cast this correctly rather some pop star I kept hearing about.