Auli’i Cravalho on Her “Polynesian Pride” at ‘Moana 2’ U.K. Premiere: “My Inner Theater Kid Is Happy”

Auli’i Cravalho on Her “Polynesian Pride” at ‘Moana 2’ U.K. Premiere: “My Inner Theater Kid Is Happy”

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for animated films, I must say that the upcoming sequel of Disney’s Moana has me absolutely thrilled! Having grown up in the Pacific Islands, I can relate to Auli’i Cravalho‘s Polynesian pride and her deep connection to the myths and mythology she speaks about.


Auli’i Cravalho exudes “Polynesian pride” during the eagerly anticipated U.K. premiere of Disney’s Moana sequel, radiating a sense of deep connection and joy for her Polynesian heritage.

In the upcoming movie “Moana 2”, Aloha (her name) and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, reprising their characters as Moana and Maui respectively, braved a stormy red carpet in London at Cineworld cinema in Leicester Square on Sunday. Just prior to their arrival, a troupe of dancers performed an enchanting Polynesian dance for the excited crowd, all dressed in traditional costumes. Johnson kept his interactions with the press brief before moving to meet and take photos with fans.

14-year-old Cravalho, who initially portrayed the Wayfinder heroine, discussed with The Hollywood Reporter about progressing beyond the original film and highlighting “the legends and folklore I was raised on.

The native Hawaiian stated, ‘If our previous movie explored themes of connecting with the past, this new one focuses on forging connections with the future.’ We’ve incorporated several characters and scenarios to reinforce this idea. One such character is Simea, Moana’s younger sister, who possesses a power to tug at our heartstrings, making us question whether we should stay home with her or respond to the call from the ancestors.

She went on to express her feelings about filming “Moana 2”: “Let me tell you, there’s so much to talk about! Moana resonates deeply, not just for my fellow Pacific Islanders, but for a wider audience too. It’s heartening to see a young explorer like Moana employ traditional methods on screen, which is a testament to the rich Polynesian culture and our indigenous wisdom… Even seeing Maui pulling islands out of the sea, that’s a part of mythology I was raised with.

The musical adaptation by Disney really appeals to my theater-loving side, as it allows for unexpected bursts of singing.

Under the direction of David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the sequel ventures on a journey aimed at reconnecting the ocean’s inhabitants following a call from Moana’s ancestors. Joined by her fresh team, whose voices include Rose Matafeo, Hualalai Chung, and David Fane, the princess soon discovers that this mission may necessitate sacrifices for the sake of her community’s future.

As a gamer, I can say that just like in a new level of my favorite game, we didn’t want to tread the same path as the first film. Instead, we wanted to move forward from where Moana left off, and if we weren’t convinced that the story was worth sharing, we wouldn’t have embarked on this journey at all.

Speaking about the anticipated blockbuster performance of Moana during the Thanksgiving holiday period, projected to earn between $125 million and $135 million, Derrick Jr. discussed what makes this oceanic adventure so appealing: “Moana represents the best in us. She never backs down, she puts her community first, and she isn’t afraid to confront a demigod or deity. Yet, she’s also playful, funny, and easy to relate to. In many ways, Auli’i Carvalho, who plays Moana, truly embodies this character.

When asked about the potential for a third Moana movie, they were evasive. “We were part of the first film, we were part of the second film. We’re linked, but who can tell?” Derrick Jr. remarked.

At the event, composers Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear were present as well. They talked about the essence behind the melody and lyrics of this musical piece. Bear shared her insights, stating: “This is our debut in presenting a Disney heroine who matures. She’s empowering, courageous, and larger-than-life, but she also experiences deeply human moments in this film… It’s significant for children watching these movies to witness their role model navigating through mistakes instead of succumbing to them. This teaches them that learning from those experiences is crucial.

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2024-11-24 19:55