Fan Cast Alert! Who Should Play Moana In The Live-Action Reboot?

Since the announcement of a Moana live-action film, fans are eagerly anticipating who will play the titular role of the brave and adventurous young Polynesian princess. While Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has already been confirmed to reprise his role as the demi-god Maui, the casting for Moana is still up in the air. As fans await the official announcement, we've taken it upon ourselves to dream up some potential candidates for the iconic role. Here are our top picks for who could portray the beloved character in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney's hit animated film!

1. Eliana Su’a

Eliana Su'a was definitely born to play Moana. Born in 2008 to a Samoan-Mexican father, the young actress already has experience being a young foil to The Rock. She played Samantha Hobbs, Luke Hobbs’s daughter (portrayed by Dwayne Johnson) in the 2019 Fast and Furious spinoff Hobbs and Shaw. In an interview with Nadula magazine, Su'a shared about her experience working with Johnson, stating, “It was a huge privilege to work with one of the biggest stars! I learned so much from him not only as an actor but as a person. He’s one of the kindest people I have ever met and I hope to work on future projects with him”. With her resemblance to Moana, her experience working with Johnson, and their great on-screen chemistry, it's no doubt that they must work together on other projects, like a live-action version of Moana!

2. Zendaya

When it comes to actresses who could potentially play Moana in the live-action adaptation, Zendaya is another name that comes to mind. Despite not having Polynesian roots, Zendaya's impressive talents and experiences could make her a strong candidate for the role. One reason why Zendaya would be a good fit for the role of Moana is her history with Disney. She got her start on the Disney Channel show "Shake It Up" and has since become a major star in Hollywood. Given her strong ties to the studio, it would make sense for her to star in another Disney project like the live-action version of Moana. But beyond her connections to Disney, Zendaya is also a versatile and talented performer. She has shown her acting abilities in films like Spider-Man: No Way Home, Dune, and the HBO series "Euphoria", for which she won an Emmy. In addition to acting, she is also a gifted singer and dancer, which would come in handy for portraying Moana's musical talents and physical prowess.

3. Any Gabrielly

Born in Sao Paolo, Brazil, Any Gabrielly is a multi-talented artist with a broad range of skills. She has already proven her talent as a singer, actress, songwriter, voice actress, model, musician, composer, and dancer, making her a perfect fit for the role of Moana. With her stunning looks and undeniable talent, Any Gabrielly seems destined to play the beloved Polynesian princess. And with her previous experience as the voice of Moana in the Brazilian dub of the film, she already knows the character intimately. This familiarity with the role will undoubtedly make it easier for her to bring Moana to life in the live-action version.

4. Isabela Merced

Isabela Merced, an American-Peruvian actress, has proven her ability to portray a lovable character through her role as Dora in the live-action adaptation of Dora and the Lost City of Gold. While Merced is not Polynesian, she has displayed her versatility as an actress and her dedication to authentically representing the culture of the character she is portraying. Additionally, Merced has demonstrated her singing abilities in the soundtrack of the movie Instant Family, where she also portrayed Lizzy, the oldest sibling of the family. With her acting talent, vocal abilities, and commitment to accurately representing the cultures of the characters she plays, Merced has the potential to excel in the role of Moana in a live-action adaptation of the beloved Disney film.

5. Auli’i Cravalho

While it is not yet confirmed whether Auli'i Cravalho will reprise her role as Moana, many fans hope that she will return to the character she originated. Cravalho first made her acting debut as Moana when she was just 14 years old, and she quickly fell in love with the character's spirit and determination. "Moana is such an amazing character," Cravalho told People at the time. "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." Now 22 years old, Cravalho could bring a more mature and seasoned approach to the character of Moana. Her charming attitude and impressive acting skills were on full display in the original film. Her connection to the character alongside her ability to bring her to life with authenticity and heart make her a natural choice for the role.

Who would you like to see play Moana?