10 years ago, Auliʻi Cravalho was cast in her first professional acting role as a Disney princess. She would also be the studio’s first Polynesian princess (though the character herself insists she’s not technically a princess), marking a huge moment for AAPI representation.
Two years later, “Moana” officially hit theaters and has proven to have some strong sea legs, becoming the most streamed movie on Disney+ last year. It shot Cravalho to fame, but it also provided her with something that most actresses don’t get right away — or, in some cases, ever.
“Starting with an incredible film like ‘Moana’ meant that I could be choosy [about future roles], that I’m afforded the beauty of being picky,” Cravalho revealed to TheWrap.