We’ve known for a while that Disney’s Moana will boast the vocal talents of one Dwayne Johnson. But now, via People, the news has arrived as to who will play the title character: 14-year-old Hawaiian newcomer Auli'i Cravalho has won the role.
Cravalho, who already performs in glee clubs at school, was performing at a charity event when she was spotted by a talent agent, who recommended her to Moana directors Ron Clements and John Musker. But even then, she wasn’t sure she’d get anywhere near the role. "I was getting through my freshman year, and there were already so many great submissions over YouTube," the Native Hawaiian tells the magazine.
Instead, she won the part and will be starring in the film set 2,000 years ago. Moana, restless and pushing against the boundaries enforced by her chieftain father, sets out on a seemingly impossible mission to fulfil her ancestors’ quests. Born in the ancient South Pacific locale of Oceania, the natural navigator is making it her mission to find a fabled island. On her journey, she’ll join forces with her hero, Johnson’s demi-god Maui and must brave all manner of challenges, including giant sea creatures, as she tries to reach her destination.
“Moana is such an amazing character," says Cravalho. "She’s brave, she is so empowered, she knows what she wants and she’s not afraid to get it, and I think that’s something that I can relate to as well. I just love watching how she goes along in this wonderful movie and grows as a person and helps her culture along the way.” And while she has yet to meet Johnson, she’s looking forward to one aspect of his performance... “I am very excited about that, my gosh,” she says. "I’ve never heard him sing before so it’s going to be really interesting.” For all of us, too.
Moana will sail into UK cinemas on December 2, 2016. It’s following Zootropolis, which arrives on March 25. For more on Moana, check out our report on the film from Disney’s D23 event.