Disney’s newest princess is on her way, and so far the details of her story have been fairly elusive. Here’s a recap of everything we know so far about the Pacific Islander princess: Moana.
THE TEASER TRAILER
THE PLOT
Little info has been released about the plot’s specifics thus far, but we do know the basic synopsis:
Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast South Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one today knows why.
From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana”, a sweeping, CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, she meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui, and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds.
We do know a few facts about Princess Moana as well. She has a pet pig, Pua, and she has two parents (whether or not they survive past the first act is still a mystery!). We also know Moana will be the second Disney princess without a love interest (Pixar’s Merida was the first), breaking from the standard princess formula.
THE CAST
- Moana – Auli’I Cravalho
- Maui – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
- Chief Tui, Moana’s father – Temuera Morrison
- Sina, Moana’s mother – Nicole Scherzinger
- Gramma Tala, Moana’s grandmother – Rachel House
- Hey Hey the Rooster – Alan Tudyk
- Tamatoa the Crab – Jermaine Clement
Other notable cameos:
- Lin-Manuel Miranda
- Phillipa Soo
THE SHORT
In keeping with current tradition, Moana will be accompanied by a brand new animated short: Inner Workings. This short tells the story of the “internal struggle between a man’s brain – a pragmatic protector who calculates his every move, and his heart – a free-spirited adventurer who wants to let loose”. Inner Workings is directed by Leo Matsuda, and has already been screened at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
THE RELEASE
Moana debuts in theaters in November 2016. Are you excited for Disney’s latest animated adventure?