Moana 2 Interview: Auli’i Cravalho Praises Character Growth & Musical Evolution In The Disney Sequel
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Auli’i Cravalho, the talented voice of Moana in the upcoming Disney sequel, sheds light on her experiences working on the new film. The 18-year-old actress opens up about the character growth, musical evolution, and the challenges she faced while bringing her iconic character to life once again.
The protagonist of the original 2016 film, Moana, was more of an introverted and insecure individual, while this sequel introduces a wiser and more self-assured version. This new development in Moana’s personality is a result of her experiences, and Auli’i Cravalhi is thrilled to explore this growth. “Moana has become more confident, more certain, and less reckless,” Auli’i remarks. “She’s had to confront her own strengths and weaknesses, and she’s developed a clear sense of how to navigate the world.”
The Moana sequel, set a few years after the original, finds our heroine facing an existential crisis. With the return of her parents, she begins to re-evaluate her relationship with the ocean, her identity, and her sense of purpose. This ultimate self-reflection has led to an evolution in the character’s musical style as well. Auli’i notes that Moana 2 is not only an “epic musical adventure” but also an opportunity to explore a “new and more mature sound”.
As for the new soundtrack, Cravalho mentions it is a fusion of customary Polynesian instruments with a contemporary musical flair. Fans of the first film can look forward to some “favorite songs from the original” and even a couple of “new, haunting, and beautiful” tracks. In addition, Moana 2 is not just about the music as it explores deeper themes of self-discovery, community, and unity.
In responding to whether she faces increased pressure taking on a new project, Cravalho acknowledges that there have been high expectations due to the success of the first film. While discussing her performance in Moana, she shared, “As a young actress, being able to tap into the more intense emotional moments feels more natural for me this time around.” Cravalho’s dedication to her craft and her understanding of Moana’s emotional depth have led to an improvement in her portrayal of the character.
Auli’i Cravalho concludes the interview by expressing her engagement with the Moana phenomenon, which, she says, has taught her the importance of embracing her true self. Moana 2 promises to continue this empowering message, offering inspiration to a new generation of fans while still catering to the loyal following of the original film.
