Disney's Moana star Auliʻi Cravalho says she won't return for live-action remake

Auli'i Cravalho has confirmed that she will not be reprising her role for the newly announced live-action remake of Moana.

Unless you've been completely disconnected from the world or isolated from society, you're probably aware that Disney is currently focused on transforming their cherished animated films into live-action adaptations, or in some cases, highly realistic CGI versions.

Adding to the ever-expanding list of remakes is The Little Mermaid, and it seems that Disney has no intention of halting their production of more remakes.

Following The Little Mermaid, we can expect a Snow White film, a Lion King prequel centered around Mufasa, Lilo & Stitch, Hercules, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Bambi, The Aristocats, a sequel to Cruella, and even an Aladdin spin-off featuring Prince Anders, if you can recall who that character is.

Joining this lineup is the recently announced remake of Moana, although some fans argue that it may be too soon considering the original animated version was released as recently as 2016.

Dwayne Johnson, surrounded by his daughters on a Hawaiian beach, announced the news while receiving an authentic prop of the enormous fishhook wielded by his character Maui in Moana.

Expressing his deep connection to the story, he stated in the promotional video, "This tale represents my heritage, embodying the grace and warrior spirit of our people. I proudly carry this culture within me, as it is etched on my skin and ingrained in my soul. This extraordinary opportunity to portray Maui once again, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, holds great significance for me."

While Johnson is set to return to his role, the main star of Moana, Auli'i Cravalho, confirmed through an Instagram post that she would not be joining the cast.

In her message, she explained, "I will not be reprising my role. I strongly believe it is crucial for the cast to accurately represent the characters and stories we aim to portray."

She will still be an executive producer on the movie so it's not like she'll have no part in it as she went on to say that she'd play a part in picking the next star to lead the movie.

"I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to assist in the search for the next actress who will embody Moana's courageous spirit, undeniable wit, and emotional strength," she expressed, further stating, "It is a true privilege for me to pass on this baton to a young woman of Pacific Island descent who will honor our extraordinary Pacific peoples, cultures, and communities that have served as inspiration for her story. I eagerly await the wonderful representation from the Pacific that lies ahead."

Although she hails from Hawaii and has Chinese, Irish, Portuguese, and Puerto Rican heritage, it is important to note that the character of Moana is specifically of Polynesian origin.

Fans expressed their immense respect for her decision, while others commended Cravalho for being genuine and authentic in her approach.

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