MANILA, Philippines — Hawaiian actress Auli'i Cravalho, the voice behind the titular character of Disney's 2016 animated movie "Moana," will not be reprising her role in a planned live-action remake.
Cravalho made it clear she will not be returning to portray Moana on her social media platforms through a video that addressed some questions people have been asking her about the project.
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"When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career," Cravalho said. "I believe it is absolutely vital the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell."
The 22-year-old actress, however, will be an executive producer on the film, winking and smiling at the camera as she said so, and will take part in the casting process for her successor as Moana with her "courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength."
Cravalho added she was truly honored to "pass the baton" to another actress of Pacific Island descent to equally honor the real-life cultures and communities the film takes inspiration from.
Since her debut on "Moana," Cravalho has gone on to star in films like "All Together Now," "Crush" and "Darby of the Dead," and become a lead in television shows "Rise," "Hailey's On It" and "The Power."