Main Voice Cast for Moana
Auli'i Cravalho originated the role of Moana Waialiki in the 2016 Disney animated musical. Cravalho was a then-newcomer from Hawaii, selected through a global search for a performer who could sing and voice the Polynesian heroine. Dwayne Johnson voices Maui, the demigod companion, bringing his established Hollywood profile to the character. The film's casting focused on performers with Pacific Islander heritage, aligning with the story's cultural setting. The principal cast also includes Rachel House as Tala, Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa, and Alan Tudyk as Heihei. Forbes cast guide details the selection process and background of the lead actors.
Cravalho reprised the role in the 2024 sequel Moana 2, continuing as the character's voice. Johnson also returned as Maui for the sequel and related Disney media. The original film's soundtrack, featuring songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i, and Mark Mancina, became a global hit, with Cravalho and Johnson performing key tracks. The cast recordings are tied to the film's streaming availability on Disney+, where the movie remains a prominent title in the animated library. Billboard streaming data tracks the soundtrack's chart performance and ongoing consumption.
Supporting Characters and Additional Voice Performers
Beyond the leads, the film features a supporting cast that includes Nicole Scherzinger as Sina, Moana's mother, and Temuera Morrison as Tui, her father. Christopher Jackson voices Chief Tui, while Rachel House provides the voice of Moana's grandmother Tala. The ensemble includes several Polynesian actors, with casting aimed at reflecting the film's Pacific Islander setting. The Wrap character guide lists the full supporting cast and their roles.
The sequel Moana 2 expands the cast with new characters, while retaining the original leads. Additional voice actors for the sequel include newcomers who bring diverse Pacific Islander representation. The film's voice direction focused on naturalistic performances, with directors and coaches working with the cast on dialect and cultural authenticity. The sequel's voice cast is credited in Disney's official materials, which also list the expanded ensemble. Deadline sequel cast report covers the new additions and returning performers.
Production, Box Office, and Streaming Availability
Moana was produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released in November 2016. The film grossed over $643 million worldwide, ranking among the highest-grossing animated features of its year. Disney's internal data and public box office trackers list Moana as a financial success, driven by strong international demand. The film's production involved collaboration with Pacific Islander cultural advisors, and the voice cast participated in workshops focused on Polynesian storytelling traditions.
Moana streams on Disney+, where it is available in multiple regions with subtitle and dubbing options. The platform lists the film under Disney's animated classics, alongside other titles from the studio's catalog. Moana 2, released in late 2024, is also available