Auli‘i Cravalho’s classmates at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama won’t actually see her on screen when Disney’s new computer-animated film, “Moana,” hits theaters Nov. 23. But there’s no mistaking her voice, which has already earned her a new nickname on campus thanks to preview clips shared via social media.
“My name is now officially Moana. My friends call me Moana. My teachers call me Moana,” she said by phone Oct. 31 from her home in Mililani, where she lives with her mother, Puanani. “But aside from that, I think things are pretty normal. … My mom still makes me do my homework — if it’s on the plane, on the road, wherever we are.”
Cravalho, 15, has been racking up frequent-flier miles in recent months doing promotional work for the movie. The honors student said she still has academic responsibilities to fulfill at home and prefers being on campus with her peers as much as possible to keep a sense of normalcy amid all the “Moana” hoopla.
“Whenever I’m home I get to go back, have a class or two, eat lunch with my friends. I get to be a normal teen,” she said. “When I’m traveling, I do get to do my assignments on the road, so no matter what, my education is getting done.”
All that travel has provided multiple opportunities for new fans to connect with Cravalho and her character. She’s walked the red carpet (which was actually green) in Hollywood at Disney’s world premiere of “Pete’s Dragon” in August, made a surprise appearance at July’s San Diego Comic-Con and took her first cruise off the East Coast on a Disney ship.
And then there’s the viral video on YouTube of her candid reaction to being cast as Moana in 2015 following a global casting call that’s been viewed more than 4 million times. The film’s official trailer has been seen more than 10 million times since its release a month ago, and Disney continues to crank up its publicity machine in advance of next week’s premiere with video content introducing additional characters and previewing the animated interaction between Cravalho and co-star Dwayne Johnson, who lends his voice to demigod Maui.
“I wasn’t much of a social media person before this, and I still do at this point enjoy a little bit of just keeping my life separate,” she acknowledged. “While I don’t post every moment of my life, I enjoy keeping my friends and fans in the loop with what I’m doing. Everyone’s been so supportive.”
ALTHOUGH Cravalho’s Moana character is joining the ranks of Disney female characters such as Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Mulan and Pocahontas, her creators are quick to point out she’s a little different from her predecessors.
To start, there’s no love story to be found. “Moana” depicts a hero’s journey as the teenage daughter of a Polynesian chief defies her family to venture beyond her island’s protective reef to explore her heritage as a descendant of ocean voyagers. “It’s action, fun and drama,” said the film’s producer, Osnat Shurer. “Moana wants to save the world — literally — even though she’s just about the only person who realizes it needs saving.”
Cravalho, a Native Hawaiian, knows she is representing Polynesian culture, and is keenly aware of the distinction between Disney “princess” and heroine — and Moana falls squarely in the latter category.
“I’m thrilled to be playing a Disney heroine,” Cravalho said. “I think this era and this age needs more heroes and heroines.
“I surf. I swim. I play water polo. I’m kind of Moana (in real life), if I may say so.”
ONCE “Moana” hits theaters, Cravalho hopes things will settle down a bit. She plans to finish high school at Kamehameha — winning the school’s annual song contest as a senior is a priority — but hasn’t made any firm decisions about her future other than attending college out of state.
“I’m still not sure,” Cravalho said. “I’m definitely continuing with education. (That’s) definitely not up for debate. I’m thinking about continuing in acting.
Channeling her Disney alter ego, she adds: “I am looking to widen my horizons. I’m excited for whatever comes my way.”
