20 May 2023 , 21:30
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Auli'i Cravalho has confirmed her involvement with the upcoming live-action remake of Moana, announcing that she won't be reprising her role as the lead character.
The actor, now 22, launched her career when she voiced the titular character in the beloved computer-animated original which had been released by Disney back in 2016.
The film was set in ancient Polynesia and told the story of adventurous Moana who sets sail on a journey to "fulfil the ancient quest of her ancestors and save her people".
It was announced last month that a live-action remake is in production with Dwayne Johnson, 51, set to be a producer on the project and reprise his role as demigod Maui.
Auli'i Cravalho has confirmed that she won't reprise her role as Moana in the live-action remake (@auliicravalho/instagram)Auli'i will once again work alongside him on it, though she confirmed in a video message on Instagram yesterday (May 19) that it will be behind the camera rather than on-screen.
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She said: "I'm sure you've heard by now [that a] live-action Moana is in the works and you have all been waiting very patiently for updates so I've written a few things down."
The actor continued by saying: "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."
And she subsequently commented in the recent video: "I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell".
Auli'i continued: "So, as an executive producer on 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 honoured to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honour our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures and communities that helped inspire her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come."
She had been part of the voice cast, alongside the likes of Dwayne Johnson, for the original animated film which was released in 2016 (©2016 Disney. All Rights Reserved.)Dwayne announced the live-action "reimagining" of Moana last month and teased that the project is still "very early in the process" with "so much more work to be done".
He said: "I'm deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen. This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people's grace and warrior strength.
"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 one that runs very deep for me."