Disney's 'Moana' Cast List Announced
Ever since the trailer for Disney’s film Moana was released last month, excitement has been building for this new animated movie. The story takes place in ancient Oceana in the South Pacific and it revolves around the title character, Moana, a princess in search of a legendary island. Along the way, she teams up with a demigod named Maui, who is also Moana’s role model and hero. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Disney movie without a squad of adorable animals, and Moana certainly will deliver on that front: the film is set to have a crab, a rooster, and literally the cutest pig that has ever existed.
The full cast of voices has finally been announced. Read on to get to know the actors who will be taking on these roles:
Photo: Getty Images1/7Auli’i Cravalho as Moana
14-year-old Auli’i Cravalho is originally from Hawaii. She was discovered by a casting agent when she was heard singing in a competition for charity in Oahu. Upon being discovered, she was brought to L.A. where she auditioned for the role of Moana. Not only is she bringing diversity to the Disney princess realm, Moana’s story is truly an empowering one: she isn’t looking for love in this film; rather, she’s on a personal quest that has nothing to do with romance.
Photo: Getty Images2/7Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Maui
While we’ve seen Dwayne Johnson in many films like the Fast and Furious franchise, we haven’t quite seen him take on a role like this one. Not only is Dwayne voicing a cartoon character, but he’s also going to be singing. And not only is he singing, but he’ll be singing a song written by Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda. It’s the best of all worlds, and we can’t wait. Dwayne’s character is a half-mortal, half-god, who has been banished for as-yet-disclosed reasons.
Photo: Getty Images3/7Alan Tudyk as HeiHei, the rooster
You might not recognize Alan Tudyk’s face but you probably would know his voice – he voiced the Duke of Weselton in Disney’s Frozen. Additionally, he has created voices in other animated films such as Wreck it Ralph and Zootopia. Alan will also be appearing in the upcoming Star Wars film, Rogue One. In Moana, he plays a rooster who hides in Moana’s canoe and ends up accompanying her on her quest.
Photo: Getty Images4/7Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa, the crab
Known for his musical-comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, and TV show of the same name, New Zealander Jemaine Clement is no stranger to the big screen. He voiced the character Nigel in Rio, and also performed in this year’s film The BFG. According to Buzzfeed, Tamatoa is a huge crab who lives in the land of the monsters. He desires to be more than just a crab and covers himself in jewels and gold to achieve that dream.
Photo: Getty Images6/7Nicole Scherzinger as Sina
Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls has been seen on TV shows like So You Think You Can Dance and The X Factor. As a triple threat, Nicole is voicing the role of Sina, who is Moana’s mother. Sina is protective of Moana, but also understands that her daughter is curious about the world outside their village.
