Disney Studios has announced that it is searching for a Pacific Islander/Pasifika actor to play Moana in the upcoming live-action adaptation of the animated film.
Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original film, recently announced on Instagram that she would not reprise the role.
“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career,” she said in the video post. “In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.”
Disney has previously come under fire for colorist casting of the Lilo & Stitch live-action remake. Fans and advocates were frustrated that they chose to cast actors who had Native Hawaiian ancestry but were largely white-passing. Many praised Cravalho for her decision in light of the recent controversy. Cravalho will help search for the new Moana as an executive producer on the film.
The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment posted a photo of the casting call on Twitter. Those interested in the role should contact the casting department at [email protected].
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc. Please support our fundraisers. Purchase your tickets to a Night of Hilarity- a fun conversation with comedienne Jiaoying Summers and ABC7/KABC anchor David Ono to be held October 9 in Los Angeles.
Then join us for a stimulating conference about issues that divide the Asian American communities. Our fundraiser Common Ground and the dinner after will be held October 26 at UC Berkeley.
AsAmNews is partially supported by the Stop the Hate grant administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.
Me gustaría participar en este casting … Moana es mi isleña favorita además de que nos parecemos mucho .. siempre pensamos en que es lo mejor para nuestro pueblo , quienes lo habitan y nuestros familiares .. somos aventureras , dejamos todo atrás por un sueño , por una mejor vida … desafiamos lo imposible para volverlo posible … me gustaría que me dieran la oportunidad Disney de ser tú Princesa Luchadora , la que no se rinde sin importar lo arriesgado que sea … por favor de todo corazón… una oportunidad 🥺
Here’s the Google translation: I would like to participate in this casting… Moana is my favorite islander, besides that we are very similar… we always think about what is best for our town, those who inhabit it and our families… we are adventurers, we leave everything behind for a dream, for a better life… we defy the impossible to make it possible… I would like Disney to give me the opportunity to be your Fighting Princess, the one who does not give up no matter how risky it is… please with all my heart… an opportunity