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Entertainment November 22, 2016
Auli’i Cravalho is a real-life Disney princess and she doesn’t need a costume to prove it.
The breakout actress voices “Moana” in Disney’s latest animated movie and is similar to the character in real life.
She’s also a 16-year-old Polynesian girl from a Hawaiian island and, as the video above shows, is a bold and bright girl too, exuding high levels of energy and confidence.
“I am very deeply rooted to my culture,” Cravalho told MTV. “I went to an all-Hawaiian school, and I speak Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, our language. I just really appreciate everything our beautiful Polynesian culture has to offer. It’s funny because no one really calls me Auli’i anymore; my name is Moana … I do feel like I am her at times. I’m also very clumsy on land, so the ocean is my friend.”
Despite no previous Hollywood experience, she was picked for the heroine role ahead of 400 rivals who auditioned for the part – including Fifth Harmony singer Dinah Johnson. A Disney casting director took notice of her from a YouTube video and invited her to try out.
READ MORE: Disney’s Newest Princess, Moana, Is Not on a Quest for Love
Moana is a unique Disney princess – the heroine is not a damsel in distress looking for romance. Instead, she uses her power and motivations for heroic deeds, embarking on a mission to save her people when they are put in danger.
“I think the major thing is that you don’t need anyone to help you find yourself,” Cravalho also told MTV. “That’s all you. But many people will help you along that journey: Maui helps Moana, as well as the ocean. It’s a big part of her.”
READ MORE: Princesses Step Aside: Superheroes Take Over Halloween
Her identification with the character Moana shines through her performance. Aside from her acting chops, Cravalho also proves she has some impressive lungs, performing power ballad “How Far I’ll Go” on the film’s soundtrack.
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Cravalho joins an impressive cast, including Linn Manuel Miranda and Dwayne Johnson. The film is on target to fair well at the box office with industry tracking suggesting an anticipated gross of $75 million in its first week. A Nov. 23 U.S. release date was a deliberate move by Disney to capitalize on many kids being off school for the Thanksgiving holiday.
