The Untouchable Voice Of Moana: 5 Shocking New Details About Auli’i Cravalho’s Comeback And $100M Sequel

The voice behind Disney's beloved Polynesian heroine, Moana, is back in the spotlight with a tidal wave of new projects and a highly anticipated sequel. As of December 2025, the incredible talent of Auli’i Cravalho continues to define the character, even as she navigates a complex career path that includes Broadway, major film roles, and a historic executive producer credit. The biggest news is her confirmed return for the animated feature *Moana 2*, set for a massive theatrical release, while her decision regarding the live-action adaptation has sparked global discussion. This article dives deep into the current status of Auli’i Cravalho, her latest professional milestones, the cultural significance she carries, and every confirmed detail about the upcoming *Moana* sequel that fans are desperate to know.

Auli’i Cravalho: Complete Biography and Profile

Auli’i Cravalho is an American actress and singer who rocketed to international fame at just 14 years old when she was cast as the voice of the titular character in the 2016 Disney film *Moana*. Her powerful vocal performance of the Oscar-nominated song "How Far I'll Go" cemented her status as a global star.

• Birth Name: Chloe Auliʻi Cravalho
• Date of Birth: November 22, 2000
• Birth Place: Kohala, Hawaii, United States
• Nationality: American (Native Hawaiian heritage)
• Profession: Actress, Singer, Producer
• Acting Debut: Voice of Moana in *Moana* (2016)
• Other Notable Roles: Lilette Suarez in the TV drama series *Rise* (2018), Amber Appleton in the film *All Together Now* (2020), Janis 'Imi'ike in the 2024 musical film *Mean Girls*, and Sally Bowles in the Broadway revival of *Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club* (2024).
• Awards & Nominations: Multiple nominations and wins, including a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Breakout Star.

The Confirmed Return: Voice of Moana in the $100M Sequel

The most exciting news for fans is the official confirmation that Auli’i Cravalho is reprising her iconic role as the voice of Moana in the animated sequel, *Moana 2*. The sequel, which was initially planned as a Disney+ series before being upgraded to a major theatrical release, is set to debut in November 2024. The entire core cast is returning, ensuring the beloved chemistry of the original film remains intact. This includes Dwayne Johnson as the demigod Maui, as well as Rachel House (Tala), Temuera Morrison (Chief Tui), Jemaine Clement, Nicole Scherzinger, and Alan Tudyk. The return of these key voices is a massive win for the franchise, promising the same warmth and humor that made the first film a hit.

What We Know About the Moana 2 Plot

The sequel's storyline will pick up three years after the events of the original film. Moana, now a young adult, receives an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors. This new journey takes her to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters. The central mission of *Moana 2* involves reuniting with Maui and assembling a new crew of wayfinders to find the lost island of Motufetu, which is crucial to saving humankind. Early reports also suggest Moana must venture across the ocean to break a curse set in place by the dangerous deity Nalo. The film promises to be a grander adventure, focusing heavily on Moana's leadership and her connection to her Polynesian culture.

Why Cravalho is NOT the Live-Action Moana (But is Still in Charge)

In a move that surprised many but was deeply respected by industry insiders, Auli’i Cravalho announced in early 2024 that she would *not* be reprising the role of Moana in the upcoming live-action adaptation. This decision was not a rejection of the character, but a powerful statement on the importance of authentic representation. Cravalho, who is of Native Hawaiian descent, stated that it was vital for the live-action role to go to another young actress of Polynesian descent. She emphasized the need to "step aside" and allow another young, talented actress to embody the character and her culture on screen. However, Cravalho is far from finished with the project. She has taken on the crucial role of Executive Producer for the live-action film. This position ensures that the film maintains cultural accuracy and respect for the Pacific Islander communities, a dedication that has been a hallmark of the *Moana* franchise since its inception. Cravalho's involvement as a producer guarantees that the spirit of the original animated feature, particularly its focus on wayfinding and cultural storytelling, will be honored in the new version.

The Cultural Significance and Topical Authority of Auli’i Cravalho

Auli’i Cravalho’s role as Moana extends far beyond just a voice acting credit; it is a profound representation of her Native Hawaiian heritage and the broader Polynesian culture. The original *Moana* film was groundbreaking, as Disney intentionally worked with a "Cultural Story Trust" to ensure accuracy and respect in its depiction of the Pacific Islands. Cravalho’s involvement, both as the voice and now as an executive producer, continues this legacy. Her public discussions often highlight the lessons learned from her upbringing in Hawaii, which keep her grounded despite her meteoric rise in Hollywood. She views her role in *Moana 2* as another opportunity to share her culture with the world, emphasizing the theme of journey and self-discovery that resonates universally. This commitment to her roots provides significant topical authority to the *Moana* franchise, ensuring that the stories of Oceania are told with authenticity and care.

Auli’i Cravalho’s Unstoppable Career Momentum in 2024/2025

Beyond the world of Disney, Auli’i Cravalho has been incredibly busy, demonstrating her versatility across different mediums. This recent work proves she is an artist who is actively building a diverse and impressive body of work.

• Broadway Triumph: In 2024, she took on a major theatrical role, starring as Sally Bowles in the Broadway revival of *Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club*. This demanding role showcased her serious acting chops and vocal range outside of Disney musical numbers.
• Film Musical Hit: She was featured in the 2024 musical film adaptation of *Mean Girls*, playing the character Janis 'Imi'ike. This project further cemented her status in the musical film genre.
• Producing Power: Her executive producer role on the live-action *Moana* is a major step toward taking control of her narrative and ensuring the integrity of her cultural stories.

With the animated *Moana 2* set for release in late 2024 and the live-action film in development, Auli’i Cravalho is poised to have a dominant presence in the entertainment industry for the foreseeable future. Her journey from a high school student in Hawaii to a Disney star, Broadway lead, and executive producer is a testament to her talent and dedication, making her one of the most exciting young artists to watch.

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