Although Encanto protagonists Mirabel Madrigal (and her sister Luisa Madrigal) have been getting a lot of limelight lately, and some classic Disney princesses have also been getting attention due to remakes, the Polynesian voyager and aspiring “perfect daughter” Moana from the animated film Moana has quietly celebrated her fifth anniversary in the last year and been honored during the Ultimate Princess Celebration.
Now, there’s a bigger reason to appreciate the Disney movie Moana again: the heroine’s power ballad “How Far I’ll Go” has just been viewed 1 billion times on Youtube, and Moana voice actress Auli’i Cravalho shared some old photos (from the making of the animated film) to celebrate!
The young Hawaiian actress and singer posted on Instagram with the following caption: “CHEEEEHOOOO!! Mahalo nui loa my #MoanaOhana, for loving this film and its music as much as I do. My heart is oh so full!! ?? Here are a few pics from the journey- nearly 6 years ago now. It truly feels like yesterday. ❤️”.
Auli’i was scouted during a talent show and whisked off to Hollywood for a Disney princess role (opposite Dwayne Johnson) that would lead to worldwide fame and starring roles in shows like Rise and movies like the 2020 film All Together Now. She even performed “How Far I’ll Go” (which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song) at the Oscars!
Auli’i shared photos of the press tour for Moana, as well as a Moana meme and some pictures with other members of the moviemaking team (including Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the music for both Moana and the new movie Encanto).
Auli’i also narrated the Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World Resort during the 2021 holiday season, and she played the “Little Mermaid” Ariel in a live TV version of the musical inspired by the same Disney film.
Since Moana is set to have her own series and continues to be a popular Disney heroine, it seems like we’ll continue to see more of Auli’i! The young actress is also voicing the main character in a new Disney animated series called Hailey’s On It!
