Auli’i Cravalho promises Moana 2 will be “so special” — although it’s still not completed as its release date inches closer. “We aren’t done with the film yet, so we’re still working on it. We will get it to you in November,” Cravalho, 23, exclusively tells Us Weekly while promoting Coral Reef Awareness Week, which kicked off on Monday, July 15.
The actress said that it was “such a joy” to return to play the title character, adding, “But I love the team, they’re so passionate. They’re so knowledgeable about Polynesian culture, but also, how we ..
. want to grow.” The original Moana film, released in 2016, followed the 16-year-old daughter of Chief Tui ( Temuera Morrison ) and Sina ( Nicole Scherzinger ) as she leaves her island of Motunui to find demigod Maui ( Dwayne Johnson ) and forces him to restore the heart of Te Fiti.
In the much-anticipated sequel, Moana is older and receives an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, forcing her to reunite with Maui, as well as old and new friends. Moana’s development and new journey helped connect Cravalho even more to the character. “I am turning 24 this year and getting to come back to this character has been really lovely,” Cravalho continues.
“I get to sing songs that are Disney-fied, but again, there’s also growth in a character and I think it’s so special that for the first time we get to see a Disney princess grow up.” While the actress can’t divulge much about the plot beca.
