Auli'i Cravalho's Bold New Era: 7 Shocking Career Moves From Broadway To Moana 2

Auli'i Cravalho has officially entered a new, bolder chapter of her career, shedding the "Disney Princess" label with a series of high-profile, diverse, and often surprising projects that solidify her status as one of Hollywood's most versatile young talents. As of December 2025, the Hawaiian-born actress and singer is not just returning to her roots but is fiercely branching out, taking on challenging roles on Broadway, starring in major film musicals, and stepping into the producer's chair for one of Disney's most anticipated remakes.

The journey from a small-town girl in Hawaiʻi to a global star began with a single audition, but her recent work proves that her initial success was no fluke. Her latest endeavors highlight a deliberate and powerful move toward artistic complexity, environmental advocacy, and greater creative control, ensuring her voice—both literally and figuratively—is heard across multiple platforms. The following deep dive explores the current, up-to-the-minute details of her explosive career trajectory.

Chloe Auliʻi Cravalho: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Auliʻi Cravalho, whose full name is Chloe Auliʻi Cravalho, has quickly become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, known for her powerful vocal talent and compelling screen presence. She represents a new generation of Polynesian artists making their mark globally.

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• Full Name: Chloe Auliʻi Cravalho
• Date of Birth: November 22, 2000
• Place of Birth: Kohala, Hawaiʻi, U.S.
• Ethnicity/Heritage: Native Hawaiian, Puerto Rican, Portuguese, and Chinese.
• Breakout Role: Voice of Moana in the Disney animated film Moana (2016).
• Notable Filmography: Moana (2016), Rise (TV Series, 2018), All Together Now (2020), Darby and the Dead (2022), Mean Girls (2024).
• Broadway Debut: Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club (2024/2025).
• Current Status: Actress, Singer, Producer, and Environmental Activist.

Cravalho was discovered at a local charity competition in Oʻahu, though she had not originally intended to audition for the role that launched her career. Her natural talent, coupled with her deep connection to her Hawaiian culture, made her the perfect fit for the titular Disney heroine, securing her place in cinematic history at just 14 years old. Her commitment to authentic representation and environmental issues remains a cornerstone of her public and professional life.

The Broadway Transformation: From Disney Princess to Sally Bowles

Perhaps the most significant and artistically challenging move in Cravalho’s recent career is her highly-praised debut on Broadway. In a dramatic pivot from her family-friendly roles, she took on the iconic role of Sally Bowles in the revival of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.

The role of Sally Bowles, a bohemian, complex, and often tragic figure living in 1930s Berlin, is a stark contrast to Moana. This performance showcased her maturity as an actress, allowing her to explore darker, more nuanced themes. Her work in Cabaret has been called a "bold move" and a definitive step in establishing her post-Disney identity. The intensity of a live, eight-show-a-week schedule on Broadway also demonstrated her work ethic and commitment to the craft.

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This theatrical venture comes after her successful turn as Janis 'Imi'ike in the 2024 musical film adaptation of Mean Girls, where she delivered a powerful and memorable performance. Her involvement in both the film and the Broadway stage within a short period confirms her dedication to musical theatre.

Returning to Motunui: Producer Role and Moana 2

While Auli'i Cravalho is expanding her horizons, she is not abandoning the role that started it all. In fact, she is deepening her involvement with the franchise. The most current news confirms two major updates regarding the world of Moana, both featuring Cravalho:

The Live-Action Moana: Shifting to a Producer Role

Cravalho made headlines by announcing she would *not* reprise the role of Moana in the upcoming live-action film adaptation. Instead, she is taking on the mantle of Executive Producer. This decision was a powerful and intentional choice, allowing her to step behind the camera to help guide the next generation of Polynesian talent and ensure the cultural authenticity of the story remains intact. This move is a significant career milestone, granting her creative control and influence over a major Disney production.

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The Animated Sequel: Moana 2

Fans rejoiced at the news that Cravalho *will* return to voice the title character in the animated sequel, Moana 2, which is highly anticipated. This confirms that her iconic voice will continue to define the character in the animated universe. Her presence was noted at the 2024 D23 Expo and the 2025 Golden Globes, where she discussed her excitement for the new music and the film's release. This balance of acting in the sequel and producing the live-action version illustrates her unique position within the franchise.

Advocacy and Hawaiian Roots: More Than Just an Actress

Auli'i Cravalho’s identity is inextricably linked to her Hawaiian heritage, and she is using her platform to champion causes close to her heart, particularly environmental and community efforts. This commitment to her roots provides a rich layer of topical authority to her public persona.

Environmental Activism and Coral Reef Preservation

Cravalho has been vocal about the importance of environmental conservation, specifically focusing on the critical issue of coral reef preservation. She recently participated in a new documentary that highlights the efforts to save these vital ecosystems, emphasizing that this is more than just a "pet cause" but a necessity for the planet. Her activism underscores her personal connection to the ocean and the natural world, echoing the themes of her breakout role.

Supporting Maui and Community Efforts

Following the devastating Maui wildfires, Cravalho actively partnered with brands to support the island's ongoing rebuilding efforts. Her collaboration with SPAM, a food staple deeply ingrained in Hawaiian culture, was a unique way to raise awareness and funds, demonstrating her commitment to her community during a time of crisis. She often speaks in interviews about how her Hawaiian roots keep her grounded amidst the pressures of Hollywood.

The Future: New Roles and Creative Control

Looking ahead into 2025 and beyond, Auli'i Cravalho's schedule is packed with projects that continue to showcase her versatility. Her recent appearances, including a Disney Princess concert special, confirm her ongoing relationship with the entertainment giant while she simultaneously pursues independent and challenging roles.

Her career path is a masterclass in strategic growth: leveraging the fame of a global franchise (Moana) to secure roles that challenge her artistically (Cabaret), while also gaining influence behind the scenes as a producer. This multi-faceted approach ensures her longevity in an industry that often tries to pigeonhole young stars. Entities like Lilette Suarez (*Rise*), Amber Appleton (*All Together Now*), and her voice work in *Zootopia 2* and *Mighty Nein* all contribute to a diverse and robust filmography.

In conclusion, Auli'i Cravalho is no longer just the voice of a Disney heroine; she is a formidable Broadway star, a rising producer, and a dedicated activist. Her current work is a powerful statement of intent, signaling her desire for creative ownership and a commitment to telling authentic stories, all while honoring the culture that shaped her.

Key Entities and Topical Authority:

Moana, Moana 2, Live-Action Moana, Mean Girls (2024), Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Sally Bowles, Broadway Debut, Disney Princess Concert, Chloe Auliʻi Cravalho, Kohala Hawaiʻi, Environmental Activism, Coral Reef Preservation, Maui Wildfires, SPAM Partnership, D23 Expo, Golden Globes 2025, Janis 'Imi'ike, Amber Appleton, Darby and the Dead, Rise (TV Series), Producer Role, Polynesian Talent, Authentic Representation, Zootopia 2, Mighty Nein.