The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert: Auliʻi Cravalho on 'Moana 2' and Beyond
Release Date: December 7, 2024
In a captivating episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes actress and singer Auliʻi Cravalho—best known for her role as Moana in Disney's beloved animated film series. The conversation delves deep into the phenomenal success of 'Moana 2', Cravalho's experiences aging with her character, her collaboration with co-star Dwayne Johnson, the intricate process of dubbing the film into Hawaiian, and her ventures into Broadway cabaret.
Celebrating 'Moana 2': Breaking Records and Demigod Status
Stephen Colbert opens the dialogue by highlighting the unprecedented success of 'Moana 2', noting its achievement of "demigod status" and its record-breaking performance during Thanksgiving weekend.
Stephen Colbert (01:40): "Moana 2 has achieved demigod status, all box office records broken. It's the biggest five day Thanksgiving thing of all time. How does it feel?"
Auliʻi Cravalho responds with a mix of humility and gratitude, emphasizing the fan's desire to delve deeper into Moana's story.
Auliʻi Cravalho (01:59): "It's so wonderful that fans want more of the story of Moana. I'm grateful that we even got to have a sequel. That's not guaranteed."
Aging Gracefully with Moana: Voice and Character Development
Discussing the challenges of continuing her role over a decade, Cravalho shares her relief and excitement over aging alongside Moana without compromising her vocal performance.
Auliʻi Cravalho (02:19): "I was afraid that I would need to pitch my voice back up. Here I am, Moana Moti Nui. I talk a little bit lower. And fans are very intelligent. So luckily I was able to age with the character."
Stephen humorously acknowledges her seamless transition, highlighting the dedication required to maintain consistency in an animated role.
Stephen Colbert (02:16): "Very little creaky in the joints and everything at this point."
Guidance from Dwayne Johnson: Building a Supportive Professional Relationship
The conversation shifts to Cravalho's co-star, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and the invaluable advice he imparted as she navigated her early career.
Auliʻi Cravalho (02:41): "Don't step on people on my way up, because if I trip, they'll let me fall. But if I bring people up with me, if I ever stumble, they'll hold me up."
Colbert appreciates the depth of Johnson's mentorship, underscoring the importance of fostering positive relationships in the industry.
Stephen Colbert (03:00): "Sure, sure. Good advice, too."
Preserving Language and Culture: Dubbing 'Moana 2' into Hawaiian
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the cultural importance and challenges of dubbing 'Moana 2' into Hawaiian, a language that has faced decline due to historical suppression.
Auliʻi Cravalho (03:29): "Hawaii is a dying language. It was forbidden to be spoken for a few generations. Colonialism. And if you thought 'How Far I'll Go' was difficult in English, it only gets harder."
She elaborates on the meticulous process of translation, highlighting the film's role in fostering Polynesian pride and linguistic preservation.
Auliʻi Cravalho (03:29): "Moana is one of the most widely translated films. It's in te reo Māori, or the language of Aotearoa in New Zealand, Tahitian. It really is a great sense of Polynesian pride for us."
Connecting Globally: Meeting Fellow Dubbers and Expanding Moana’s Reach
Cravalho shares her experiences meeting other voice actors who lent their talents to 'Moana 2' in various languages, emphasizing the global impact of the film.
Auliʻi Cravalho (04:14): "I've met voices from Japan, and just recently, I met the voice who does the Portuguese version. It's so nice to share Moana with so many people from across the globe as well."
Colbert expresses curiosity about these international versions, highlighting the universal appeal of Moana's story.
Stephen Colbert (04:48): "You haven't really seen Moana until you've seen it in Portuguese."
Broadway Bound: Balancing 'Moana 2' with Cabaret Performances
Transitioning to her life beyond voice acting, Cravalho discusses her role in the Broadway production of 'Cabaret', portraying Sally Bowles. She reflects on the challenges and rewards of balancing film promotion with live theater.
Auliʻi Cravalho (05:19): "One feels like a break from the other. I have been burning the candle at both ends…"
She delves into the nuances of performing a British accent on stage, highlighting the technical aspects of embodying a character different from Moana.
Auliʻi Cravalho (06:14): "I listen to a lot of the BBC radio because the different… I wanted it to sound real."
Colbert is intrigued by her ability to switch between roles, especially maintaining consistency in her portrayal of Sally.
Stephen Colbert (06:41): "What's the most challenging part of being Sally?"
Auliʻi Cravalho (06:52): "Truly remaining consistent... Our show is also so very important. It's always felt timely…"
She emphasizes the significance of theater in reflecting societal issues, drawing parallels between her theatrical work and her role in 'Moana 2'.
Closing Remarks: A Multifaceted Talent on the Rise
As the conversation wraps up, Colbert commends Cravalho's dynamic career trajectory, seamlessly transitioning between animated films and live theater.
Stephen Colbert (07:40): "Well, it's so lovely to meet you. Thank you so much for being here."
Auliʻi Cravalho (07:44): "Thank you."
Cravalho hints at future projects and her ongoing commitment to diverse roles, leaving listeners eager for her next endeavors.
In Summary, this episode offers an in-depth look at Auliʻi Cravalho's multifaceted career, her dedication to cultural preservation through 'Moana 2', and her artistic versatility showcased in Broadway performances. Her insights into the entertainment industry's collaborative nature and the importance of uplifting peers provide a heartfelt and inspiring narrative for listeners.
For more engaging conversations and exclusive clips, visit The Late Show YouTube channel and stay tuned for upcoming episodes on Paramount+.