HOLLYWOOD – Walt Disney Animation Studios has tapped Hawaiian newcomer Auli’i Cravalho to voice the title character in the upcoming animated adventure Moana.

Dwayne Johnson is already on board to voice the demi-God Maui in a tale that follows a spirited and fearless teenager Moana who, with help from Maui, sets out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder.

The feature is directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, who helmed such Disney classics such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and The Princess & the Frog.

“I didn’t think I would have a chance,” said 14-year-old Cravalho. “When I was little, I used to dance around the house singing at the top of my lungs. In my mind, that was performing and I loved the feeling of it. But I never imagined being in a Disney movie, being Moana – representing my culture in that way.”

Like many little girls Cravalho of Oahu has always wanted to be a Disney princess.

“From baby time to now, I wanted to be a Disney princess and then I wanted to be a singer or an actress,” she said..

But when Disney Animation began searching for a girl to provide the voice of Moana, Cravalho didn’t think she was good enough to audition.

“I was getting through my freshman year, and there were already so many great submissions over YouTube,” the native Hawaiian girl told People magazine.

Auli’i said she didn’t think she had a chance of landing the role.

It was a good thing a fairy godmother – an Oahu casting agent – was looking out for Cravalho after he discovered the teen’s singing talents during a local charity competition.

The filmmakers auditioned hundreds of talented young women throughout the Pacific islands before finding the gifted Cravalho, who did not initially pursue the coveted role.

The film’s Hawai’i-based casting director recalled her singing performance from a video submission for the fundraiser talent showcase and asked Cravalho come in and try out.

Three auditions later she earned the title role.

Cravalho was whisked off to Los Angeles, where the directors cast her opposite 43-yer-old actor, producer and semi-retired professional wrestler, Dwayne Johnson, in the animated film, set for release on November 23, 2016.

“Moana is such an amazing character,” Cravalho said, who lives in the town of Mililani on Oahu with her mother, Puanani.

“She’s brave, she is so empowered, she knows what she wants and she’s not afraid to get it, and I think that’s something that I can relate to as well. I just love watching how she goes along in this wonderful movie and grows as a person and helps her culture along the way.”

Cravalho is especially excited to work alongside Johnson.

“I am very excited about that, my gosh,” says Cravalho, a soprano who participates in her school’s glee club. “I’ve never heard him sing before so it’s going to be really interesting!”

“Auli’i demonstrated a certain fearlessness in her auditions and call-backs,” said director John Musker. “She has a playful, mischievous wit. She can project vulnerability, she doesn’t seem intimidated at all by the challenges ahead, and her Polynesian background has helped shape her connection to family, hard work and music. These are all qualities she shares with Moana.” - PNC sources.