Renegades | Auli'i Cravalho on Her Moana 2 Homecoming
Years after her breakout role, Auli'i Cravalho revisits the titular character with new perspective in "Moana 2"
Welcome to Renegades, Gold House’s newsletter series spotlighting Asian Pacific leaders and creatives who are carving their own paths and defying stereotypes along the way. This week features Auli’i Cravalho, star of Disney’s Moana 2 and Broadway’s Cabaret. Born in Kohala, Hawaii, Auli’i’ began her acting career when she was cast in the original Moana: a role that would launch her to future performances across film, television, and theatre. As she revels in the personal growth she’s experienced since her breakout role, Auli’i talks to us about the first moment she learned she was cast in Moana, adapting to different mediums of art, and what her Pacific Islander heritage has meant to her throughout her time working on Moana and Moana 2. Moana 2 is in theatres now - get tickets today!
What did you want to be when you grew up and how does that compare to where you are now?
I didn’t have a clear-cut vision for myself before Moana started my career in film at fourteen. In high school, I saw myself maybe being a lawyer (I loved speech and debate), a writer (I often would write little short stories and songs), or even having a career in a science field (I’ve always felt very passionate about our oceans and the creatures that live in them). “Playing pretend” for a living was a happy surprise, and I’ve found that acting either combines the skills of those passions or helps me amplify the message of my other interests.
At what age did you first realize that acting, singing, and performing were not only passions of yours but something you truly excelled at?
Oh gee, if you ask my mom, she’ll tell you I was always singing—and not in a pretty way. Before I could hold a tune, I was a colic baby. Inconsolable and red in the face, I would cry and scream … Mom says I’ve been working on my belt since the moment I popped out haha.
Can you describe the moment you found out you’d been cast as “Moana”? What did that news mean to you and your family and did landing such an iconic role serve as a turning point in your career?
I remember that moment like it was yesterday! My mom had previously taken off of work to take me to my first audition, and had called out again to travel with me for my callback in Los Angeles. So by the time the third ask to come into the studio came in again, Mama said, “Uh, no.” When I was told in the room that I’d landed the role of the Disney heroine, I immediately called her, and I celebrated in front of directors and producers while my mom was still in her office! She later quit her job to follow me as my career took me further beyond the reef—thanks again, Mommy.
Moana has become a cultural touchstone for so many, and you played such a pivotal role in its success. Looking back, what do you think contributed to the film’s lasting impact and how has the response from fans influenced your approach to the sequel?
Many Pacific Island people are represented in our film, and I think it’s the level of specificity—flora and fauna found on Motunui, Moana’s hair texture and how it flows in the wind, Opetaia Foa’i’s musical influence, myths and legends of Maui that have been passed on for centuries, the pioneering of technology to perfect the animation of the ocean—that makes Moana and its sequel such a point of pride.
Voice acting is such a unique form of performance. After the eight years since Moana was first released, what was it like returning to voice the titular character for Moana 2? Was there anything that you did to prepare bringing her to life again?
Returning to Moana felt like coming home! It’s never guaranteed that a film will get a sequel. Getting the opportunity to voice her nearly ten years later felt especially special, as we’ve both grown since our last film. Being in the booth is my happy place, and I hope I won’t have to say goodbye to this character any time soon.
Earlier this year you starred in Mean Girls which was a twist on the modern classic and since then have made your Broadway debut as “Sally Bowles” with Cabaret. What was the transition from film to live theater like and how do you channel bringing a new energy to the stage?
I really enjoy the challenge of adapting to different mediums of art. Singing and voice-over come most naturally to me—I don’t memorize lines or get into hair and makeup before going into a session—it truly just feels like play. Alternatively, TV and Film feels like there’s more at stake: what does my posture reveal about my character, and how do I stay present in my body, take after take. One step above that is live theater. That combines everything I’ve learned: projecting to the back of the theater, keeping my body still and my eyes focused on my scene partner. It’s fun to learn and grow!
As a Native Hawaiian actress, you’ve become a powerful voice in the push for greater diversity and representation on screen. What does it mean to you to be part of that conversation, especially as a young actress in Hollywood?
As a young woman of Pacific Island descent, I find myself pulled in a few groupings, either AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) or Native American. I root for any and all minorities that get to tell their stories authentically and loudly, and I look forward to working with a multitude of people who have that same drive. I’m excited to be growing as a producer to help more vibrant and authentic stories get their time in the sun.
Looking ahead, what do you hope to see for Pasifika communities in the media? Are there any particular genres or roles you’re excited to explore as you continue in your career?
I am so proud to be of Pacific Island descent, and I know my cousins from across the sea in Aotearoa, Samoa, Tahiti, Marshall Islands, and Tonga (just to name a few!) feel the same way. I’ve had a lucky run of playing strong leading women, and I hope to continue down that path.
Lightning Round
Favorite Book: A Monster Calls
Comfort Show/Film: Spirited Away
Favorite Hawaiian Snack/Treat: SPAM Musubi
Bucket List Vacation Destination: Paris, France
Best Advice You’ve Ever Received: “It takes a lot of effort to make something look effortless.” Reminds me to appreciate my team, AND that perfection is a myth!