Auli’i Cravalho Won't Reprise 'Moana' Role In Live-Action Film

Fans of the Disney animated film "Moana" are looking forward to a brand-new live-action adaption of the film, which is set to begin filming later this year.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson teased he would be reprising his role as Maui, the shapeshifting demigod, which left many wondering if Auli’i Cravalho would also reprise her role as Moana. Now, the Disney actress is setting the record straight.

Auli’i Cravalho, who provided her voice to Moana in the 2016 animated film, posted a video to Instagram addressing if she would reprise her role for the upcoming live-action film.

“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career,” the now 22-year-old actress said in the video. “In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell," she continued to explain.

Cravalho said she is excited to pass the baton, expressing, “I can’t wait to 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 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 representation to come. Mahalo.”

Although Cravalho won't reprise her role as Moana, she is still going to be involved with the project as she is an executive producer on the project.

During last month's Disney’s annual shareholder meeting, the Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger, and “Moana” actor Dwayne Johnson, announced the news that a new live-action adaption of the 2016 animated film is in the works.

The former WWE star appeared on a beach, which looks much like the one “Moana” was set in, to break the news. “This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength,” Johnson said during the call. “I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me.”

“We are so excited and happy to announce that a live-action reimagining of ‘Moana’ is in the works," he announced.

Johnson went on to list many of the beloved characters who will return in the live-action project including Moana, Gramma Tala, Pua the Pig, and more. The actor concluded by saying, “and one more, what’s that guy’s name? Oh, yours truly, Hei-Hei the chicken, kidding! Hei-Hei’s going to be in it, but Maui’s going to be in it too,” teasing he will reprise the role in the upcoming project.

Johnon has also been confirmed to produce the movie under his Seven Bucks Productions song with Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia. Additionally, Beau Flynn, who wrote the screenplay for the original animated film, will be back to write the remake, along with Dana Ledoux. At this time, there has been no director named.