Auli’i Cravalho, the original voice of Disney’s animated Moana, is serving as an executive producer on the upcoming live-action Moana film [1].

Cravalho's transition from voice actress to producer marks a significant shift in her involvement with the franchise. Her role ensures the original spirit of the character remains intact while introducing a new generation of viewers to the story.

During a guest-hosting segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live in Los Angeles, Cravalho said the production and her contribution to the soundtrack [1]. She is performing a new song titled “Along the Way,” which was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda [3].

Cravalho also spoke about the actress cast to play the lead role. Catherine Laga’aia, who is 19 years old [4], will take over the titular role. Regarding the casting of the new lead, Cravalho said, "I cannot wait to see her shine" [2].

Beyond the film, Cravalho shared reflections on her upbringing in Hawaii and her personal anxieties. While she is comfortable in front of a camera for scripted work, she expressed a different feeling regarding improvisational performance. "I’m terrified of doing stand-up comedy," Cravalho said [1].

Her involvement as a producer allows her to maintain a connection to the character she helped define in the original animated version. The live-action adaptation aims to translate the visual and musical scale of the first film into a physical setting [1].

“"I cannot wait to see her shine."”

Disney's decision to bring Cravalho back as an executive producer suggests a strategy to maintain authenticity and continuity between the animated and live-action versions. By involving the original lead and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, the studio is leveraging established brand loyalty to mitigate the risks often associated with live-action remakes.