As a collective, members of Gen Z are dynamic trendsetters and culture shifters.
It’s not often that your life changes forever at 14 years old.
The film debuted in 2016 and achieved global success, earning $687.2 million worldwide.
You’ll currently see Cravalho on Broadway, taking to the stage as Sally Bowles inCabaret.
Simultaneously, she’s executive producing the live-action version ofMoana, slated to release in 2026.
In other words, Cravalho is living her dream and having fun while doing it.
Courtesy of Auli’i Cravalho / Byrdie
We’re two months into 2025.
Did you set any intentions for this year?
“I was surprised by how well the end of 2024 went.
Courtesy of Auli’i Cravalho / Byrdie
For the first time, I can take a breath.
I can be strategic but have fun.
On a personal level, what have you gained from playing Moana?
Courtesy of Auli’i Cravalho / Byrdie
“I’ve always felt deeply connected to my Hawaiian history.
I now recognize that I have a platform through Moana and speak for such a beautiful yet underrepresented population.
I feel so strongly about Native Hawaiian rights and our oceans.
Courtesy of Auli’i Cravalho / Byrdie
You’re stepping into a new chapter as an executive producer.
What does it mean to you to executive produce the forthcoming live-actionMoana?
“I’ve learned the word ‘producer’ can mean many things.
I enjoy storytelling, and impactful storytelling can mean not using my face to tell or sell that story.
I look forward to making films well into my later years and being the helping hand.”
How did you navigate handling the visibilityMoanagave you as a teenager?
“I quickly realized that my mom was right and I should stay off my phone.
The more time I spent online, the less I asked myself what I thought.
I overwhelmed myself with public opinion.
I’m currently hovering around one million followers, which is a win from a branding standpoint.
From a personal perspective, I’m scared.
I’m very aware of what I say, and I don’t do a bunch of collaborations.
What I put online has to be an outward extension of my character.
Aside from social media boundaries, are there other practices that keep you grounded?
“Breathworkis really powerful and can help you center yourself.
I grew up with asthma, allergies, and Ehler-Danlos syndrome.
I grew up with a lot of bodily pain.
I can’t control many things, but can control my breath.”
What has your relationship with beauty been like, especially in your 20s?
I put on a lot of stage makeup for my character inCabaret, Sally Bowles.
I wear a heavy base, 1920sthin eyebrows, glitter, and two lipsticks.
Coming back to myself is the most difficult part because it’s not, dare I say, fun.
Part of the beauty conversation [within myself] is that I must find myself beautiful.
It seems like changing your hair has been one form of expression.
Has your relationship with your hair changed over the years?
“My hair is beautiful and thick, and I’m very grateful for it.
It took me about a month to recognize my face, but after that, I enjoyed it.
I’ve dyed my hair and wornwigs, and it’s been fun.
With our hair, there are conversations about functionality and identity.
Having short hair and leaning into my queerness has been really nice.
Having an outward noticeable feature of queerness has also been interesting.
I love that I’m experimenting at this age.
Leaning into my gut feeling of wanting a big, bold change felt awesome.”
What do you love most about being a part of Gen Z?
“Maybe every young person feels this way, but I feel like it ends with me.
There’s something isolating and empowering about that.
Young people are banding together and rising up.
Gen Z is a force to be reckoned with because we are so vocal.”
