‘Moana 2’: Auli’i Cravalho Is Definitely Returning To Disney Sequel

EXCLUSIVE: Auli’i Cravalho is coming back to reprise the voice of Moana in Moana 2.

We last heard she was in talks, however, it’s clear she was bound to reteam with Dwayne Johnson, who is clearing coming back as demigod Maui.

Disney CEO Bob Iger sprung the news that Moana 2 was opening over the Thanksgiving stretch of Nov. 27 prior to the conglom’s last earning call during an interview with CNBC. Disney essentially was over the moon with a Moana Disney+ series that they turned into a big screen movie.

The sequel is directed by Dave Derrick Jr. with music by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. 

Cravalho told fans last May on social that she wasn’t planning to reprise the role of Moana in the live-action version of the movie, which will see Johnson play Maui again.

“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career,” she said in a video posted on Instagram back in May. “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.”

Cravalho continued at the time, “So, as an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength. I’m truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honor our incredible Pacific peoples cultures and communities that help inspire her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representations to come. Mahalo.”

Moana, released in 2016, grossed over $687M at the global box office and earned two Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and the original song “How Far I’ll Go” by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The Kohala, Hawaiian native recently starred in the Paramount winter hit Mean Girls and also starred on the TV series Rise, The Power and the animated series, Hailey’s on It!

Cravalho is repped by Gersh, Chininis Talent and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman & Christopher.