Auli'i Cravalho isn't just the voice of a generation's favorite wayfinder; she is a masterclass in how a "Disney kid" can build a sustainable, self-directed career without the typical child-star burnout or identity crisis. While most of our kids know her as the soul of Moana, her move into executive producing the live-action remake—set to hit theaters this Friday, July 10—is the real story for parents watching their own theater kids navigate big ambitions.
TL;DR: Auli'i Cravalho has successfully pivoted from a 14-year-old breakout star in Moana to a versatile actor in projects like Mean Girls and a power player behind the scenes. By executive producing the upcoming live-action Moana, she’s demonstrating how to maintain creative control and cultural integrity. If your kid is obsessed with the stage or screen, Auli'i is the "intentionality" blueprint you want them following.
Most actors who voice an iconic character fight tooth and nail to play the live-action version. Auli'i did the opposite. She famously declined to play the physical role of Moana in the upcoming live-action remake, choosing instead to step into an Executive Producer role.
This is a massive move. By 25, she’s realized that the real power in Hollywood—especially when it comes to representing her Hawaiian heritage—happens in the production meetings, not just in front of the camera. She’s been vocal about "passing the torch" to the next young Pacific Islander lead, Catherine Laga'aia, ensuring the franchise grows rather than just centering on her own fame. For a theater kid, this is a great lesson: you don't always have to be the lead to be the most important person in the room.
If your kid only knows her as the girl who sings about the horizon, it’s time to show them her range. Auli'i has spent the last few years systematically dismantling the idea that she’s a one-note musical theater star.
In the 2024 Mean Girls movie musical, she played Janis 'Imi'ike with a sharp, cynical edge that was a total 180 from Moana’s earnestness. She also took on a gritty, dramatic role in the Amazon series The Power, dealing with complex themes of bodily autonomy and social upheaval. She’s choosing roles that challenge her, which is exactly what keeps a career from stalling out after the first big hit.
If you have a kid who lives for the spotlight, Auli'i's trajectory offers three specific takeaways that beat any "acting 101" class:
- Cultural Intentionality: She doesn't just "represent" Hawaii; she advocates for it. She’s been clear that her work must respect the culture she comes from. Teaching your kid to have a "north star" for the kind of work they will (and won't) do is how they avoid being used by the industry.
- Diversifying the Skillset: Auli'i didn't just learn to sing and dance. She learned how sets work, how casting happens, and how to read a contract. Encourage your kid to work crew, help with lighting, or try directing. The more they know about the "how," the more agency they’ll have.
- The Graceful Hand-Off: Seeing her mentor Catherine Laga'aia for the live-action movie is a masterclass in professional maturity. In a world that tells kids they have to be #1 at all costs, Auli'i is showing that there’s immense value in being the mentor and the builder.
With the live-action Moana dropping in two days, it’s a perfect time to do a "career retrospective" with your kid. Based on the trailers and Auli'i's involvement as a producer, the new film looks set to lean even deeper into the Pacific Islander voyaging traditions than the original.
If you want to see her in "non-princess" mode, Mean Girls is the pick for middle and high schoolers—her rendition of "I'd Rather Be Me" is basically a manifesto for being your own person.
Q: Why isn't Auli'i Cravalho playing Moana in the live-action movie? She chose not to reprise the role physically because she wanted to ensure the part went to a younger actor who could grow with the franchise, and because she wanted to focus on her role as an Executive Producer to protect the film's cultural integrity.
Q: Is Auli'i Cravalho in Moana 2? Yes, she returned to voice the character in the animated sequel Moana 2, which hit theaters in late 2024. She continues to be the definitive voice of the animated character.
Q: What is Auli'i Cravalho's next project? Beyond the live-action Moana release this week, she is heavily involved in theater and is expected to continue her transition into more producing roles while maintaining her acting career in both film and television.
Auli'i Cravalho is the rare star who understood the "algorithm" of Hollywood early and decided to rewrite it. She’s proof that you can be a Disney icon without being defined by it. For parents, she’s a great conversation starter about what "success" actually looks like—it’s not just being famous; it’s having the power to tell the stories you care about.
- Check out our best movies for kids list to find more high-WISE animated classics.
- If your kid is into the business side of things, read our guide on how the toys that made us teaches game design.
- For the theater kids, explore our best podcasts for kids list for storytelling inspiration.