The Voice of Disney Moana | New Talent Auli’i Cravalho
Have you been waiting to hear the voice of Moana? Me too! Ever since the insanity of the D23 Expo Pixar & Disney Animation Panel, the world has been wondering, who will be the voice of the 16 year old Hawaiian princess? Well, today I’m excited to announce the voice of Disney Moana, new talent Auli’i Creavalho! Check out the story behind this 14 year old, why her voice stood out among the rest, and the adorable video when she found out that she got the part!
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” has found her voice following a worldwide search to cast the film’s title character. Native Hawaiian newcomer Auli’i Cravalho, 14, joins Dwayne Johnson in the big-screen adventure about a spirited and fearless teenager named Moana (voice of Cravalho) who, with help from demi-god Maui (voice of Johnson), sets out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder.
While hundreds of talented people from across the Pacific Islands were eager to try out for the role, Cravalho set her sights firmly on her sophomore year of high school. “I didn’t think I would have a chance,” she said. “When I was little, I used to dance around the house singing at the top of my lungs. In my mind, that was performing and I loved the feeling of it. But I never imagined being in a Disney movie, being Moana—representing my culture in that way.”
Fortunately, the film’s Hawai’i casting director remembered an unrelated audition Cravalho did as part of an a cappella group, which had been submitted for a talent showcase for a charity. Feeling the local teen would be perfect for the Disney role, she tracked her and her mother down and invited Cravalho to audition. “Her audition was fantastic – she was such a raw talent,” said producer Osnat Shurer. “Auli’i was among a small number of girls we brought back for a second round of auditions. Then we flew her and her mom over to audition at our studios in Burbank.”
“Auli’i demonstrated a certain fearlessness in her auditions and call-backs,” said director John Musker. “She has a playful, mischievous wit. She can project vulnerability, she doesn’t seem intimidated at all by the challenges ahead, and her Polynesian background has helped shape her connection to family, hard work and music. These are all qualities she shares with Moana.”
“Moana is a vibrant, tenacious 16-year-old growing up on an island where voyaging is forbidden,” added director Ron Clements. “But Moana has been drawn to the ocean since she can remember and is desperate to find out what’s beyond the confines of her island.”
Like MOANA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/disneymoana
MOANA sails into theaters on November 23rd 2016! Will you be joining the voyage?
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Dorothy Boucher says
This looks like its going to be a great hit with the grandchildren. I love the spunky attitude the girl has 🙂 I think they made a great decision in picking her..
mycraftingworld says
My grandchildren are looking forward to going to see this movie. It looks cute.
Wendy says
This looks like it’s going to be another great movie and soundtrack, we are looking forward to it coming out.
Amy Green says
I’ll be there! Directors Ron Clements and John Musker have made some of the funniest and most heartwarming Disney Animated classics. After The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Princess and the Frog, I can’t wait to see what this new movie is like! The artwork is intriguing-it reminds me of the novel, Island of the Blue Dolphin. The name Moana is pretty and unique. The only other Moana I know is Moana Wolfgramm, one of the singers from the 1980’s group, The Jets! Can’t wait!