Moana Fans are applauding Auli’i Cravalho, the young actor who voiced the main character of the 2016 animated film, for her “respectful” decision not to star in the upcoming live-action remake. of the movie.

A month after Dwayne Johnson announced that a live-action retelling of the popular Disney film is “in the works,” Cravalho confirmed she won’t be returning to her lead role.

“When I was cast as Moana at the age of 14, it changed my life and started my career in a great way. In this live-action retelling, I won’t reprise the role,” she shared in an Instagram video posted on Friday (May 19).

“I believe it’s extremely important to cast actors who accurately represent the characters and stories we want to tell.”

However, Cravalho will still be involved in the remake as an executive producer.

“I can’t wait to help find the next actress who embodies Moana’s brave spirit, undeniable intelligence, and emotional strength,” she added.

“I am truly honored to give this power to the next young Pacific Islander woman to honor our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures, and communities who help inspires her story, and I look forward to the beautiful representation of the Pacific that will appear.”

Moana tells the story of an adventurous teenager who sets sail on a dangerous mission to save his people. On her journey, she meets Maui (voiced by Johnson), a powerful demigod who guides her on her quest.

While the 22-year-old actor is a native Hawaiian, she is also of Chinese, Irish, Portuguese and Puerto Rican ancestry and has a lighter complexion than portrayed by Moana in the film, who appears to have water. darker skin tone and is of only Polynesian descent. .

Some fans responded to Cravalho’s post with initial disappointment that they wouldn’t be able to hear her sing again, but praised her for her “understandable” resolution.

“Lots of respect to you Auli’i,” one person commented. “With the problem of colorism in Lilo and Stitch remake, while it would be interesting to see the same actress portray the character in the live-action remake. I appreciate that you want this version of the role to belong to someone who can truly reflect Moana.”

“Love her for this,” another wrote on Twitter, with a third responding with only three clapping emojis.

“Oh she is so real I love her,” someone added. Another called her a “genius” for her choice.

“Seeing? This is what a lot of light-skinned actresses and actors should do. Don’t continue to colorize because you just want a chance,” one person replied.

A few weeks ago, the live-action version of Lilo and StitchDisney’s hit franchise, about a young Hawaiian girl Lilo and her alien pet Stitch, has drawn criticism from audiences for accusing their casting of “ism.” skin tone”, for hiring lighter-skinned actors to play some of the darker-skinned original cartoon characters.