Auli’i Cravalho on ‘Bops’ in ‘Moana 2’ & Seeing a Disney Princess Age (Exclusive)

Auli’i Cravalho sat down with ‘Extra’s’ Terry Seymour in Hawaii to talk about ‘Moana 2’ coming out 10 years after she was first cast at age 14!

Starr said of his return to the role, “It felt like coming home to get back into this character.”

Auli praised the music, saying, “There’s a lot of bops and, dare I say it, I didn’t expect to like the villain’s songs so much in this movie. Matangi’s ‘Get Lost’ is so fun and jazzy.” Maui’s “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?” is amazing. ”

Regarding Moana’s song “Beyond,” Cravalho said, “Personally, I love the connection between the first movie and ‘How Far I’ll Go,’ and this is like, ‘How far will I go?’ It’s like an answer to a question,” he added. ”

Auli also talked about how special it is that Moana is older this time around. “It’s been three years since we last saw Moana. It’s the first time a Disney princess has aged and it feels so special.”

Regarding the film’s important message, the actress continued: “There’s also a real sense of community across the Pacific. This time Moana goes further beyond the reefs to connect people in the Pacific. And we also trust your team. This time Moana has Moni, Kele… , there’s a whole crew called Roto. They’re a funny, quirky crew. I think it’s a really fun song.”

She added that Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, who plays her sister Simea, is a true “breakout star” and said the sisters’ relationship is “so precious.”

She gushed: “Whenever I look at her, she’s either smiling or crying, there’s no in between.”

Additionally, Auli’i reflected on the amazing way the character Moana changed her life.

“Moana certainly started my career,” she said. “I never thought it would be possible to make a living working in film and playing pretend. And as I continue to live with this character, my sense of community and connection to my culture grows stronger and stronger. I am completely in awe of the waves that Moana’s influence continues to show.