Who Voices Moana in the Animated Films and Sequels
Auli'i Cravalho originated the role of Moana in the 2016 Walt Disney Animation Studios film and reprised the character in the 2024 sequel Moana 2. Cravalho was selected through a global casting search led by Disney Animation, with the studio confirming her casting in 2015. The sequel retained Cravalho as the lead performer, while Dwayne Johnson returned as Maui. Forbes reported on the sequel's release and cast continuity.
Supporting roles include Rachel House as Tala, Temuera Morrison as Tui, and Nicole Scherzinger as Sina. The films were produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The franchise uses a mix of original songs and Polynesian musical traditions, with Lin-Manuel Miranda among the composers for the first film.
Moana Franchise Box Office and Revenue Data
The original Moana grossed approximately $643 million worldwide against a reported budget of $150 million, according to public box office tracking sources. Moana 2 opened in November 2024 and earned an estimated $130 million in its first domestic weekend, making it one of the highest-grossing November openings for an animated film.
Disney's direct-to-streaming and home entertainment releases extend the franchise's revenue beyond theatrical runs. The studio has not disclosed exact production budgets for Moana 2, but industry estimates place it in the range of $150 million to $175 million. Disney's quarterly SEC filings reference studio segment revenue including theatrical and streaming.
Compensation and Industry Context for Voice Actors
Public reporting on Auli'i Cravalho's specific compensation for Moana or Moana 2 is not available. Voice actor pay in major studio animated films typically ranges from low six figures to several million dollars per film, depending on the actor's profile and backend participation. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) sets minimum rates for union voice work, which studios may exceed.
Disney's animation division reported operating income in its fiscal 2024 results, reflecting the financial performance of franchises including Moana. Forbes tracked Moana 2's opening weekend box office figures. The franchise's merchandise, theme park attractions, and streaming performance contribute to Disney's broader consumer products and interactive media segment.