Walt Disney Animation Studios’ MOANA has found her voice following a worldwide search to cast the film’s title character. Native Hawaiian newcomer Auli’i Cravalho, 14, joins Dwayne Johnson in the big-screen adventure about a spirited and fearless teenager named Moana (voice of Cravalho) who, with help from demi-god Maui (voice of Johnson), sets out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder. This sounds like such a cute movie, right? I LOVE The Rock, and so do my kids, so they will definitely want to see this animated movie from Disney. “Moana is a vibrant, tenacious 16-year-old growing up on an island where voyaging is forbidden,” added director Ron Clements. “But Moana has been drawn to the ocean since she can remember and is desperate to find out what’s beyond the confines of her island.” “Moana” sails into U.S. theaters on Nov. 23, 2016.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” has found her voice following a worldwide search to cast the film’s title character. Native Hawaiian newcomer Auli’i Cravalho, 14, joins Dwayne Johnson in the big-screen adventure about a spirited and fearless teenager named Moana (voice of Cravalho) who, with help from demi-god Maui (voice of Johnson), sets out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder.
While hundreds of talented people from across the Pacific Islands were eager to try out for the role, Cravalho set her sights firmly on her sophomore year of high school. “I didn’t think I would have a chance,” she said. “When I was little, I used to dance around the house singing at the top of my lungs. In my mind, that was performing and I loved the feeling of it. But I never imagined being in a Disney movie, being Moana—representing my culture in that way.”
Fortunately, the film’s Hawai’i casting director remembered an unrelated audition Cravalho did as part of an a Capella group, which had been submitted for a talent showcase for a charity. Feeling the local teen would be perfect for the Disney role, she tracked her and her mother down and invited Cravalho to audition. “Her audition was fantastic – she was such a raw talent,” said producer Osnat Shurer. “Auli’i was among a small number of girls we brought back for a second round of auditions. Then we flew her and her mom over to audition at our studios in Burbank.”
“Auli’i demonstrated a certain fearlessness in her auditions and call-backs,” said director John Musker. “She has a playful, mischievous wit. She can project vulnerability, she doesn’t seem intimidated at all by the challenges ahead, and her Polynesian background has helped shape her connection to family, hard work and music. These are all qualities she shares with Moana.”
Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast South Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one today knows why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”), and produced by Osnat Shurer (“Lifted,” “One Man Band”), “Moana” sails into U.S. theaters on Nov. 23, 2016.
Take a look at this short trailer to get you ready to see this awesome movie:
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Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
October 15, 2015 at 12:43 pmAwww, Moana sounds like she is going to be as awesome as all the princesses that came before her. Can’t wait to see this.
Sarah Bailey says
October 15, 2015 at 1:16 pmOh wow she sounds like she is going to be an awesome princess I look forward to finding out more about him. x
Catherine S says
October 15, 2015 at 1:22 pmThis sounds like a great movie and Moana will make a terrific princess. I will have to take me nice to see this movie.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
October 15, 2015 at 2:42 pmThis is going to be such a great movie! I love that art style so much.
Pam says
October 15, 2015 at 2:56 pmI am actually really excited for this movie. It’s something different for Disney!
Jeanette says
October 15, 2015 at 4:22 pmI like strong female rolls and Moana seems to fit that bill. This looks like a fun movie and anything based in Hawaii I am all for it.
Liz Mays says
October 15, 2015 at 7:57 pmThat’s true, it’s great seeing some aspects of Hawaiian culture represented too! I would love to learn a bit more about Hawaii.
Debra says
October 15, 2015 at 4:29 pmMy kids are going to love this one. I had read something about it last week when she was cast, but I hadn’t heard or seen it before then!
Stacie says
October 15, 2015 at 5:26 pmThis looks like it’s going to be a great movie. Disney has always made wonderful movies. I love them myself.
Liz Mays says
October 15, 2015 at 5:45 pmWow, I can’t wait to see this movie. It sounds like they took the time to find a really talented cast!
Mitch says
October 15, 2015 at 5:56 pmI am very excited to see this movie, and happy they found the right voice. Disney always does! And I am excited because, well, The Rock!
Mitch
Vera Sweeney says
October 15, 2015 at 5:57 pmI can’t believe I hadn’t heard of this before!! I am excited that Disney is coming out with a new movie, it looks like a good one.
Jeanine says
October 15, 2015 at 7:20 pmMy girls were talking about this recently and I had no idea what they were talking about! I actually think this would be great, they can’t wait to see it!
Brandy says
October 15, 2015 at 7:21 pmHow exciting! A new Disney princess is arriving? That is amazing news!
Marcie W. says
October 15, 2015 at 7:50 pmIt’s about time a new Disney Princess makes her debut, especially one that is more modern. My very close friend is Hawaiian and has three daughters, so I can not wait to share this news with her!
Seattle Travel Blogger says
October 15, 2015 at 8:25 pmThis sounds like a movie that I will love. Moana seems like she will be a great addition to the Disney princess family.
Ann Bacciaglia says
October 15, 2015 at 9:48 pmI am excited to take my friends little girls to see this movie. They have seen the trailer and keep talking about the new Princess.
Lisa Bristol says
October 15, 2015 at 9:50 pmI am so excited to see a new Disney Princess. This is going to be a great movie.
Dogvills says
October 15, 2015 at 9:51 pmThe twins will be so stoked with this news. They love all the Disney princesses. I can\t wait to tell them about Moana.
Toughcookiemommy says
October 15, 2015 at 10:04 pmShe is such a beautiful princess. I love that the new princesses are so multicultural.
Amber NElson says
October 15, 2015 at 10:12 pmThis is going to be an awesome movie. Can’t wait!
Ora Lee Gurr says
October 15, 2015 at 10:21 pmI am definitely in the mood for another good Disney film and this looks like it will fill the bill. I like the background information and pictures you provided about Moana.
Jennifer Williams says
October 15, 2015 at 10:47 pmMy youngest and I have date night often and this is going to be a great movie for our date night. I am pretty sure he has not even heard of it yet so it can be a complete surprise!
Meagan says
October 15, 2015 at 11:22 pmHow cute is this??? I am so excited to see this!
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
October 15, 2015 at 11:27 pmLooks like a great movie. Can’t wait to see it.
Donna says
October 15, 2015 at 11:49 pmThis is going to be so good. I am glad there is going to be a new princess!
Veronica says
October 15, 2015 at 11:51 pmOh this looks good! I love a good Disney animated movie. I will be watching
Chasing Joy says
October 16, 2015 at 12:12 amSounds like a cute movie. I like learning about the girl behind the voice.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
October 16, 2015 at 12:32 amI love that Disney is highlighting different world cultures! Teaching kids about the world is important!
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
October 16, 2015 at 1:35 amMy family is really looking forward to seeing this movie! I love learning about the people behind the movie.
Kristi says
October 16, 2015 at 7:28 amWhat a great experience for her to be chosen. Can’t wait to see the movie!
Carlee C says
October 16, 2015 at 7:35 amI am excited to see another Disney Princess. I love the strong characters that give young girls great inspiration.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
October 16, 2015 at 8:26 amDisney makes some of the best movies! This looks like another must see, love the Rock too!
Victoria Sconion says
October 16, 2015 at 11:20 amOmg i love it when Disney comes out with new princesses. Especially from different cultures. Allows little girls to relate to someone who looks like them. Im obsessed with The Rock and im excited to watch this with my kids. huge kid over here. Haha
mburbage says
October 16, 2015 at 12:46 pmMy kids want to see this! We just got a glimpse of it the other day and it looks so funny and fun!
Rosey says
October 16, 2015 at 3:54 pmShe does look so happy and so comfy in her skin. I really like what I’ve seen about her so far.
tess says
October 16, 2015 at 5:56 pmI love that there is a new movie coming out. Cant wait to see this one!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
October 18, 2015 at 8:18 pmStop showing photos of my husband The Rock, I really don’t appreciate it! 🙂
Christie says
October 19, 2015 at 12:12 pmSo much buzz surrounding this new Disney princess! cannot wait for 2016
Amber C. says
October 20, 2015 at 1:34 pmI am so excited for this princess! I have a feeling she will be my favorite!