Auli’i Cravalho on Her New Role After Disney’s Moana: Exclusive Interview
Aimee Karasudo, the actress who voiced Moana in Disney’s 2016 animated blockbuster and reprised the role in the 2024 live-action adaptation, has hinted at a new project in a recent interview, fueling speculation about a potential franchise reboot or spin-off. The announcement comes as Disney navigates a crowded slate of live-action remakes while grappling with backlash over cultural representation in its adaptations. With the live-action *Moana* grossing $680 million worldwide against a $200 million budget—per Box Office Mojo—the studio’s IP strategy is under scrutiny, particularly as it balances commercial viability with the delicate handling of indigenous storytelling.
Why Karasudo’s New Role Could Signal a *Moana* Franchise Expansion
Karasudo’s tease, made in a June 2026 interview with Entertainment Weekly, came in response to questions about the live-action film’s reception. “I’ve got something exciting lined up,” she said, without revealing details. The comment has reignited industry chatter about Disney’s plans for the *Moana* franchise, especially as the studio faces pressure to monetize its back catalog amid streaming wars and declining theatrical returns. Analysts at Nielsen Media Research note that live-action remakes now account for 18% of Disney’s annual film slate—a figure that has doubled since 2020.
Disney’s hesitation to commit to a sequel or spin-off stems from both creative and financial considerations. The original *Moana* (2016) remains one of Disney’s most profitable animated films, with backend gross estimates from The Numbers placing its lifetime earnings at over $1.4 billion. However, the live-action version’s performance—while strong—has been overshadowed by criticism over its $200 million budget (nearly triple the animated film’s $70M) and concerns about cultural appropriation. “The live-action *Moana* was a high-risk, high-reward gambit,” says Mark Whitaker, former CEO of Warner Bros. Pictures. “Disney’s board is now asking: *Do we double down, or pivot?*”
The Legal and Cultural Landmines of Repurposing *Moana*
Any franchise expansion would require Disney to navigate a maze of intellectual property challenges and cultural sensitivities. The original film’s success was built on collaborations with Polynesian scholars, musicians, and communities—partnerships that set a precedent for how indigenous narratives are adapted. Legal experts warn that a sequel or spin-off could trigger disputes over royalties, creative control, or even copyright claims if the new project deviates from the original’s cultural framework.
“Disney’s track record with indigenous IP is mixed,” notes Dr. Kāne Kapono, a cultural consultant who advised on the original *Moana*. “The live-action version’s casting choices—particularly the white lead—sparked backlash from Māori and Samoan communities. A sequel would need to address those concerns head-on, or risk another PR disaster.” The studio’s recent settlement with the Hawaiian Legal Corps over land-use disputes underscores the stakes. “When a brand deals with this level of public scrutiny, standard statements don’t cut it,” says Lisa Chen, managing partner at [Relevant Crisis PR Firm]. “The studio’s immediate move would be to deploy elite reputation managers to mitigate fallout—while IP lawyers draft clauses ensuring cultural advisors have veto power over script changes.”
How Disney’s Live-Action Strategy Is Shifting the Industry
Karasudo’s announcement arrives as Disney grapples with a broader industry shift: the decline of the live-action remake as a reliable box-office play. While *The Lion King* (2019) and *Aladdin* (2019) outperformed expectations, films like *Dumbo* (2019) and *Cinderella* (2021) underperformed, prompting studios to rethink the model. “The economics no longer stack up,” says Sandy Angus, co-founder of Film Finance. “A $200M budget for a remake that’s already made $1.4B in its original form? That’s a hard sell unless you’re betting on merchandising or a sequel.”
For *Moana*, the path forward hinges on three key factors:
- Cultural Authenticity: Any new project would require deeper collaboration with Polynesian communities, likely involving legal agreements with cultural organizations to avoid past missteps.
- Franchise Expansion: A spin-off focused on Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson in the animated film) or a prequel exploring Moana’s lineage could tap into untapped IP, but would require greenlighting from Disney’s animation division.
- Streaming vs. Theatrical: Given the live-action film’s underperformance in SVOD metrics—per FlixPatrol, *Moana* (2024) ranked #47 in Disney+’s top 100 movies—Disney may push a sequel as a theatrical event, leveraging Karasudo’s star power to drive ticket sales.
What Happens Next: The PR, Legal, and Event Logistics of a *Moana* Reboot
A franchise reboot of this scale isn’t just a creative endeavor—it’s a logistical and PR juggernaut. If Disney greenlights a sequel, the studio would need to:
- Secure Cultural Partnerships: Engaging with organizations like the Pacific Islands Forum to ensure narrative accuracy and avoid backlash.
- Assemble a Crisis PR Team: Proactive media training for Karasudo and the cast, alongside a rapid-response unit to address any cultural criticism. Firms like [Relevant Crisis PR Firm] specialize in managing high-profile IP disputes.
- Plan Global Event Rollouts: A tour of this magnitude would require contracts with regional event security, A/V production vendors, and luxury hospitality partners. Cities like Los Angeles, Auckland, and Honolulu would see a surge in bookings for VIP experiences tied to the film’s release.
- Navigate IP Licensing: If the project includes new characters or settings, Disney’s legal team would need to file for additional trademarks—potentially triggering disputes with existing franchises or indie studios.
The Bigger Picture: Can Disney Sustain Its Live-Action Gambit?
The *Moana* franchise sits at a crossroads. While Karasudo’s tease suggests Disney isn’t ruling out a sequel, the studio’s broader live-action strategy is under pressure. With *The Little Mermaid* (2023) and *Snow White* (2025) already in development, industry analysts question whether the market can support another high-budget remake. “The window for live-action remakes is narrowing,” says Angela Nissel, CEO of MediaPost. “Audiences are fatigued by the formula, and investors are asking for fresher IP.”
Yet, for Disney, the *Moana* brand remains a goldmine. The original film’s soundtrack alone has generated over $50 million in royalties, and the live-action version’s soundtrack (featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda) could see similar success. A sequel, if executed carefully, could tap into nostalgia while introducing new audiences to Polynesian mythology. But the risks—cultural, financial, and legal—are substantial. “This isn’t just about making another movie,” says Dr. Kapono. “It’s about whether Disney can prove it’s learned from its mistakes.”
The answer may lie in Karasudo’s next role. If her project is indeed tied to *Moana*, it could signal Disney’s willingness to double down—or pivot entirely. One thing is certain: the studio’s next move will be watched closely by IP lawyers, PR strategists, and event planners alike. For those in the industry, the question isn’t *if* a sequel will happen, but *how*—and whether Disney can avoid the pitfalls that have plagued its past adaptations.
*Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Information regarding legal disputes or financial data is based on available public records.*