Finding out who plays Moana in Moana 2 might seem like a simple Google search, but there’s a surprising amount of confusion floating around out there. Maybe you saw a TikTok about a live-action remake, or perhaps you heard a rumor that Disney was looking for a fresh face to take over the role.
Let's clear the air immediately. Auliʻi Cravalho is back.
She isn't just "involved" or "consulting" on the project; she is the voice behind the wayfinding hero once again. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone else captures that specific blend of grit and vulnerability. But the story of how she returned—and why people are so confused about the casting—is actually much more interesting than a simple "yes."
Auliʻi Cravalho: The Return of the Original Voice
When Moana 2 hit theaters on November 27, 2024, fans were relieved to hear that familiar, powerful voice. Cravalho was only 14 when she was first cast for the original 2016 film. Now 24, she has literally grown up alongside the character.
That time jump isn't just happening in the real world. In the sequel, Moana has aged three years. She’s no longer the teenager trying to prove herself; she’s a leader and a big sister. Cravalho has mentioned in interviews that her own voice has naturally deepened over the last decade, which actually worked perfectly for a Moana who is now navigating the complexities of adulthood and leadership.
It’s rare for a Disney "princess" to be allowed to age. Usually, these characters are frozen in time, but who plays Moana in Moana 2 needed to bring a more mature energy to the recording booth.
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Why the Casting Was Uncertain
For a while, people weren't sure she’d come back.
When Disney first announced the live-action remake of Moana (set for 2026), Cravalho made a very public statement that she would not be playing the titular role in that specific version. She wanted to pass the torch to a new actor of Pacific Island descent, specifically someone who could represent the character in a live-action setting while she stayed on as an executive producer.
People saw those headlines and panicked. They assumed she was done with the franchise entirely.
But voice acting is a different beast. While Catherine Lagaʻaia has been cast to play Moana in the upcoming 2026 live-action film, Cravalho remains the definitive voice for the animated universe. It’s a bit of a "two Moanas" situation that has left more than a few parents scratching their heads.
The Rest of the Moana 2 Crew
You can’t have Moana without Maui. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is also back, bringing his massive energy (and shapeshifting) to the sequel. The chemistry between Johnson and Cravalho is the engine of these movies, and Disney knew they couldn't mess with that formula.
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But the world of Motunui has expanded. The sequel introduces a whole new crew:
- Simea: Moana’s sharp-witted little sister, voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda.
- Loto: The crew’s "tech" expert and boat-builder, voiced by Rose Matafeo.
- Moni: A massive fan of Maui (basically a demigod superfan), voiced by Hualālai Chung.
- Kele: A grumpy farmer who somehow ends up on a boat, voiced by David Fane.
It’s a bigger cast than the first movie, reflecting Moana’s new role as a navigator for her entire community, not just a solo adventurer.
What Really Happened with the Music?
If you're wondering who plays Moana in Moana 2 because the songs sound a little different, there's a good reason for that. While the voice actors stayed the same, the songwriting team changed.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the mastermind behind "How Far I’ll Go," didn't return for the sequel. Instead, the music was handled by the duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear (famous for the Bridgerton Musical). They worked alongside returning composers Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi.
Cravalho had to tackle a brand-new "I want" song called "Beyond," which is arguably more vocally demanding than anything in the first film. It shows how much she’s improved as a singer since her high school days.
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The Confusion with the Live-Action Remake
To keep things straight, here is the breakdown of the two different projects:
- Moana 2 (Animated Sequel): This is the movie currently making waves. Auliʻi Cravalho is the voice of Moana.
- Moana (Live-Action Remake): This is coming July 10, 2026. Catherine Lagaʻaia will play Moana. Dwayne Johnson will play Maui in both.
It's easy to see why the "who plays Moana" question is so common. We’re living in an era of overlapping reboots and sequels.
Final Insights for Fans
If you’re heading into a rewatch or planning to see it for the first time, keep an ear out for the nuance Cravalho brings. She’s gone from a newcomer in the industry to a Broadway star (recently playing Sally Bowles in Cabaret). That professional growth shines through in the sequel.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Credits: If you see the name Catherine Lagaʻaia, you’re looking at news for the live-action 2026 film. If it’s Auliʻi Cravalho, it’s the animated sequel.
- Listen to "Beyond": Compare it to "How Far I'll Go." You can hear the literal aging of the character through Cravalho’s vocal maturing.
- Follow the Timeline: Moana 2 is set three years after the first. If the character looks older and sounds a bit more confident, that’s intentional storytelling, not a recast.
Cravalho has stated that Moana "started her whole career." Even though she is handing off the physical role for the live-action movie, she clearly isn't ready to let go of the character's spirit just yet.