It's been a few months since Disney first announced the release of their first-ever Hawaiian princess, and Disney's Moana has been one of the most highly awaited characters for the company, as they develop their Princess brand further to a more diverse territory - now with a brand new voice actress!
The past few Disney royal ladies have been played by big names in the industry (Queen Elsa was played by Idina Menzel, Princess Anna by Kristen Bell and "Tangled" Rapunzel, by Mandy Moore), but Disney's Moana will be played by a sweet new talent: 14 year-old teen Auli'i Cravalho!
According to Slash Film, ahead of being cast as the voice of Disney's Moana, Cravalho had always dreamed of becoming a Disney princess, like so many other young girls out there - and it wasn't until much later on that the star even decided to be an actress and singer.
As Disney Animation desperately sought for the perfect girl to voice Disney's Moana, as Yahoo! News reports, a miracle happened: a casting agent spotted Cravalho at a charity singing competition in her native Oahu and completely fell in love with her voice, quickly flying her to Los Angeles to audition for the role of the Hawaiian princess.
"Moana is such an amazing character," Auli'i told People Magazine. "She's brave, she is so empowered, she knows what she wants and she's not afraid to get it, and I think that's something that I can relate to as well. I just love watching how she goes along in this wonderful movie and grows as a person and helps her culture along the way."
As it has been previously reported, Disney's Moana will follow the story of a Polynesian teen who must complete the "unfulfilled quest" of her ancestors, along with sidekick Maui, voiced by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
Learn a little more about Disney's Moana and the young actress voicing her in the clip below - and check out the first art for the character!
Meet Moana and Maui. @DisneyAnimation's #Moana sets sails November 23, 2016. pic.twitter.com/k42vLUBBuA
— Disney (@Disney) October 7, 2015
