As part of The Walt Disney Company's Meeting of Shareholders Webcast last month, Disney CEO Bob Iger shared an announcement video which saw Dwayne Johnson reveal - from Hawaii - that a live-action Moana movie is in the works.
The animated version was released in theaters in 2016 and grossed nearly $644 million at the worldwide box office. It boasted a soundtrack written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i, and Mark Mancina, and there have long been rumblings about a live-action spin on this story.
As you might expect, Johnson will reprise the role of demi-god Maui, though it was unclear at the time whether Auli'i Cravalho will return as Moana. The actress is 22, so it seemed unlikely, though her involvement as an executive producer led many fans to wonder whether this could be a sequel to the original story rather than a retelling akin to The Little Mermaid.
In a new Instagram post, Cravalho has confirmed she will not return to the role.
"When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career. In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role," the actress reveals. "I believe it is absolutely vital [that] the cast accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell."
"As an executive producer of the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit, and emotional strength."
Cravalho would add, "I’m truly honoured to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent to honour our incredible Pacific people’s cultures and communities that helped inspire her story and I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come."
Like its animated predecessor, the film will celebrate the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders as seen through the eyes of a young woman eager to pave her own path. Moana’s journey of self-discovery and reflection on the lives of her ancestors won hearts worldwide, as did her newfound friendship with an exiled demigod named Maui.
No release date for Moana has been announced by Disney.