Disney Announces Open Casting Call for Live-Action ‘Moana’

‘Moana’ fans everywhere were thrilled about a month ago when Disney announced the live-action remake of the film. Even more exciting is that the original voice of Maui, Dwyane Johnson, will be returning to his role. But this time, live and in person! 

JUST ANNOUNCED: From Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho, a live-action reimagining of Disney’s Moana is in the works! pic.twitter.com/4rQXLSJ5Zn

— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) April 3, 2023

Sadly, the voice of the original Moana, Auli’i Cravalho, will not reprise her role as the courageous and spirited teenager. In her statement, Cravalho said she will help find the next Moana in her new role as an executive producer for the film.

Auli’i Cravalho voice of Moana

Open Casting Call

In a natural turn of events, Disney has officially announced an open casting call for the upcoming film slated for sometime in 2025. According to Knight Edge Media, production for the new film is expected to start sometime later this year in Hawaii. 

.@DisneyStudios is searching for Pacific Islander / Pasifika actors who can sing to play Moana in the live-action adaptation of @DisneyMoana! No acting experience required. Submissions, questions and inquiries must be sent to Moana.casting@disneympp.com. pic.twitter.com/mZQV2i50RE

— CAPE—Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (@CAPEUSA) May 19, 2023

The studio’s open casting call announcement says that producers are looking for a 15 to 18-year-old female who is, “Smart, passionate, and funny. Brave, inquisitive, and confident. A teenager who yearns for something more. Strong singing voice a must.”

According to Cravalho in her aforementioned Instagram announcement, it is important for casting to accurately represent the culture and stories Disney is looking to tell. 

Image Credit: Disney

While it’s bittersweet that Cravalho won’t be returning as the spirited voyager, it is thrilling that she will have input into who the next Moana will be and also in the production of the film. 

We have witnessed amazing stars reprise classic roles with panache. For example, Halle Bailey is currently taking the world by storm in her live-action rendition of Ariel in ‘The Little Mermaid.’ Iconic. 

Photo: Disney

I can’t wait to see who gets to be the next Moana. Keep following MickeyBlog for emerging details regarding the upcoming live-action remake of ‘Moana.’ 

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