DisneyFanatic.com The Latest News, Advice, and Perspective from Disney Fans for Disney Fans!
Make way for news about one of the latest live-action Disney remakes surfing the pipeline. After producer Dwayne Johnson delivered an announcement for a reimagined Moana film on Maui’s shores, Disney fans had mixed responses. With the latest update shared by the original film’s star, some Moana enthusiasts might start to resemble a fiery Te Fiti.
The 2016 film, Moana, brought enchanting music, peeks into Pacific culture, and an empowered princess on a mission to dive deeper into her life’s calling. Moana took a journey inward to discover how to impact the world around her, and her story didn’t center on a heroic prince. She was the hero in her story.
With adorable companions like Hei Hei and Pua, a formidable Maui (Dwayne Johnson), and a wise Gramma Tala (Rachel House), Moana sailed into a spot as a certified Disney classic. Although some Moana fans are looking forward to another adaptation of it on screen, others have expressed live-action remake fatigue after several consecutive releases from Disney.
Related: ‘Moana’ Actress Avoids Confirming Her Role In Live-Action Remake
The Little Mermaid is the next remake to hit theaters on May 26, and Lilo & Stitch is currently filming with an anticipated release for Summer 2024. Although no dates have been set for the live-action Moana movie produced by Dwayne Johnson and co-producers Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia, the original film’s star shared a particularly disappointing update.
Auliʻi Cravalho, whose voice captivated audiences in the 2016 Moana film, confirmed today that she wouldn’t star in the live-action remake. On Twitter, @mmdisney200 shared the full video, stating:
Auliʻi Cravalho has a message for us about the live action #Moana
She will not be reprising her role but looks forward to finding our new Moana.
Auliʻi Cravalho has a message for us about the live action #Moana🌀
She will not be reprising her role but looks forward to finding our new Moana. pic.twitter.com/1kwRhZv7Ms— Mario🫧🧜🏽♀️ (@mmdisney200) May 19, 2023
After referring to the 2016 role in Moana as “life-changing” in the video, Cravalho stated:
Aloha Mai Kakou. As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, [a] 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.
Although Cravalho won’t be reprising the role of Moana in the remake, she reassured fans that she would have a hand in the film as an executive producer. She added:
I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit, and emotional strength.
Instead of approaching a bonafide actress to step into Cravalho’s shoes, Disney issued an open casting call to find the princess’s successor. Disney’s flyer with “no acting experience required” was shared on Twitter by @mmdisney200.
OPEN Casting Call for Moana 🌊 pic.twitter.com/nDDfTbYQ4G
— Mario🫧🧜🏽♀️ (@mmdisney200) May 19, 2023
Rumors will continue to swirl around the cast and execution of one of Disney’s most beloved films. With Moana being a more recent hit among Disney fans, the pressure will be on to deliver the same qualities the Pacific princess portrayed in the original.
The live-action remake hasn’t yet a release date, but Disney Fanatic will share more updates as they unfold.
