10 Shocking Career Moves & New Projects: Auli'i Cravalho's Meteoric Rise In 2025
Auli’i Cravalho, the voice that captivated the world as Disney's *Moana*, has officially transitioned from a breakout star to a powerhouse actor and producer, making a series of strategic and surprising career moves throughout late 2024 and into December 2025. Her journey, rooted deeply in her Hawaiian heritage, has seen her conquer animation, television, film, and the Broadway stage, cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic young talents.
This article dives deep into the most current and updated information on Auli’i Cravalho’s life and career, including her major shift in the *Moana* universe, her recent high-profile stage work, and the projects that are setting her up for a monumental 2026. Her ability to navigate diverse roles—from a Polynesian princess to a Broadway star—showcases a remarkable versatility that keeps fans and critics eagerly anticipating her next move.
Chloe Auliʻi Cravalho: Biography, Profile, and Filmography
Chloe Auliʻi Cravalho is an American actress and singer who first gained international recognition for her debut role at the age of 14. Born and raised in Kohala, Hawaiʻi, her connection to her Polynesian roots remains a central theme in her public and professional life.
- Full Name: Chloe Auliʻi Cravalho
- Born: November 22, 2000
- Birthplace: Kohala, Hawaiʻi, U.S.
- Ethnicity: Native Hawaiian, Puerto Rican, Portuguese, and Chinese.
- Breakthrough Role: Moana in Disney's *Moana* (2016)
- Key Awards/Nominations: Annie Award, Teen Choice Award, nominated for a Critics' Choice Award.
- Current Status (2025): Actor and Executive Producer.
Auliʻi Cravalho Select Filmography & Theatre Roles
Cravalho's career trajectory is marked by a deliberate choice of diverse and challenging roles across multiple platforms, proving her range beyond her Disney debut.
- Moana (2016): Voice of Moana (Feature Film Debut).
- Rise (2018): Lillette Suarez (NBC Drama Series).
- The Little Mermaid Live! (2019): Ariel (ABC Musical Television Special).
- All Together Now (2020): Amber Appleton (Drama Film, Lead Role).
- Darby and the Dead (2022): Darby Harper (Supernatural Comedy Film).
- Mean Girls (2024): Janis 'Imi'ike (Musical Film).
- Moana 2 (2024): Voice of Moana (Animated Feature Film).
- Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club (2024): Sally Bowles (Broadway Debut).
- Lulu is a Rhinoceros (2025): Voice of Lulu (Apple TV+ Animated Special).
The Moana Universe: Reprisal, Production, and Passing the Torch
The most talked-about aspect of Auli'i Cravalho's career in 2024 and 2025 is her complex and evolving relationship with the *Moana* franchise. She has taken on two distinct, high-profile roles that demonstrate her commitment to the character and the story's cultural integrity.
Reprising the Role for *Moana 2*
Despite the initial announcement of a live-action version, the world was treated to the unexpected release of the animated sequel, *Moana 2*, in November 2024. Auli’i Cravalho joyously returned to voice the titular character, Moana, alongside Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Maui. This animated continuation allowed her to revisit the role that launched her career and sing new, anticipated songs.
The Surprising Executive Producer Role
In a move that signifies her maturity and influence in the industry, Cravalho confirmed that she is serving as an Executive Producer on the highly anticipated live-action *Moana* film. This is a significant step for the young star, giving her creative input and ensuring the film respectfully honors the Polynesian culture and the original story.
However, Cravalho made the conscious and powerful decision not to reprise the on-screen role of Moana in the live-action version. She publicly stated that as a producer, she felt it was vital for the role to be played by a new, young actress from the Pacific Islands, allowing another talent to have the same career-launching opportunity she had. The role was ultimately given to the talented Catherine Laga’aia.
Conquering Broadway and Hollywood's Musical Landscape
Beyond the world of Disney, Auli'i Cravalho has proven her chops in the musical theatre and film genres, showcasing a powerful singing voice and dramatic range that extends far beyond her voice-acting roots.
From *Mean Girls* to the Kit Kat Club
In early 2024, Cravalho starred as Janis 'Imi'ike in the musical film adaptation of *Mean Girls*. Her performance as the cynical, artistic high schooler was a critical highlight, demonstrating her ability to handle complex, non-Disney-princess roles.
Her commitment to the stage culminated in her highly successful Broadway debut in *Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club*. Taking on the iconic role of Sally Bowles in the 2024 revival, Cravalho received widespread acclaim for her raw, emotional, and captivating performance. This move solidified her as a triple-threat performer capable of leading a major Broadway production, a feat few young Hollywood stars achieve so early in their careers.
New Ventures and 2025 Projects
As of late 2025, Cravalho continues to diversify her portfolio. She has a producer credit on a forthcoming movie slated for release on February 28, 2025, further emphasizing her growing interest in behind-the-scenes work.
Additionally, she lent her voice to the Apple TV+ animated special *Lulu is a Rhinoceros*, a project aimed at a younger audience that continues her work in animation while exploring different storytelling formats. Her attendance at high-profile events in 2025, such as the Golden Globes and Variety's Power of Young Hollywood Party, confirms her continued relevance and visibility in the industry, suggesting several unannounced projects are likely in the pipeline for 2026.
Hawaiian Roots and Cultural Advocacy
Auli’i Cravalho is a vocal advocate for her Hawaiian roots and Polynesian culture, often discussing how her upbringing keeps her grounded amid the pressures of Hollywood. Her work is often seen through the lens of cultural representation, a theme that began with *Moana* and continues with her executive producer role on the live-action film.
She has consistently used her platform to speak on the importance of authentic storytelling and providing opportunities for other Pacific Islanders in the entertainment industry. This dedication to cultural integrity is a defining characteristic of her career and informs her decision-making process for new projects. Her presence in the industry is not just about acting; it's about advocacy and representation, making her a role model for a new generation of performers.
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