Auli’i Cravalho has landed her first leading role in a live-action film. Best known for voicing the titular character in Disney smash “Moana,” Cravalho has signed on to topline Netflix’s “Sorta Like a Rock Star.” Deadline broke the news.
Set to kick off principal photography this October, the pic tells the story of a teenage girl “who, despite difficult circumstances, is preternaturally optimistic about the world and her place in it. She often helps those around her, resulting in powerful bonds with a disparate group of outsiders in her community, until she faces a devastating loss and can no longer ignore the challenges in her own life,” the source hints.
Bryce Dallas Howard was initially slated to make her feature directorial debut on “Sorta Like a Rock Star” but stepped down due to scheduling conflicts.
“Moana,” Cravalho’s first professional credit, took in over $643 million at the global box office. “She’s truly the heroine of her own story,” Cravalho has said of the character. “Something that made headlines is that Moana doesn’t have a love interest and that’s because the journey that Moana goes on — of self-discovery — doesn’t need a love interest. Finding yourself is something you do all on your own and it’s for you — not for anyone else,” she emphasized. “While others may help you along the way, never forget that the journey is for you.”
The actress and singer added, “I thoroughly enjoyed and will always feel deeply connected to Moana and voicing her as the strong, independent, beautiful heroine that she is. I suppose my dream role would be anything that continues in that direction of either self discovery or just having a strong, kick-butt girl. I’d love to play a role like that.”
Cravalho had a series regular role on “Rise.” The NBC musical drama was cancelled after one season.
