22 May – Unlike her pal Dwayne Johnson, actress Auli'i Cravalho recently stated that she will not be reprising her role in the live-action remake of "Moana". The Hawaiian actress, who made her debut by voicing the character in the 2016 animated feature, shared the news on Instagram, saying, "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. I believe it is absolutely vital the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell." She continued, "So, as an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana's courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength. I'm truly honoured to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honour our incredible Pacific peoples cultures and communities that help inspire her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representations to come. Mahalo."
Earlier this year, Dwayne Johnson, who voiced the character of the demigod Maui in the same animated feature, stated that he will be playing the role again in the live-action adaptation. "This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people's grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me," he said. "Moana" made USD 682.6 million at the box office when it was released in 2016, and was highly praised for its fresh story and beautiful animation.