Moana Voice Actor Definitively Answers Whether Her Character Is A Disney Princess Ahead Of Sequel Release

Moana 2 voice actor Auli’i Cravalho clarifies whether she views her titular character as a Disney princess. Cravalho first starred as the sea-loving island dweller in the 2016 animated film Moana and will reprise her role in the upcoming sequel. The story of Moana 2 will follow Cravalho’s character, as she once again embarks on an adventure in the Pacific Ocean. In addition to Cravalho, the cast of Moana 2 includes Dwayne Johnson, Alan Tudyk, and Temuera Morrison. Ever since the release of the first film, fans have debated whether Moana should be considered a Disney princess.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly ahead of Moana 2‘s release, Cravalho claimed that she does view Moana as a Disney princess, but argues that the idea of a Disney princess has changed. She stressed that, unlike some other Disney princesses, you would never see Moana wearing a ballgown. Read Cravalho’s full comments below:

Films are always representative of their times. For today’s day and age, we want to see a young woman being the hero of her own story. So, yeah, she is a princess, but she’s also a hero. I like that those two words are now interchangeable. You probably won’t see Moana in a ballgown, and that’s fine.

I feel it’s really important to have characters go on their own hero’s journey of finding themselves, not necessarily finding a love interest or the love of their lives. I really applaud our filmmakers for sticking with that as well because she is so interesting on her own. She doesn’t need anybody else!

Moana Embarks On Another Seafaring Adventure In Moana 2

The version of Moana that was seen in the first film was an adventurous, heroic girl who wanted to sail the sea. Unlike other Disney princesses, such as Snow White or Cinderella, Moana would never be seen at a fancy party in a castle. This sets her apart from other Disney characters and is a major reason why the first Moana movie was such a success. Based on Cravalho’s comments, it seems like Moana will be the same type of character in the second film.

Cravalho also specifically discussed how Moana doesn’t have a love interest in the first film. It is customary for Disney princesses to have a love interest who will swoop them off their feet, but the star argues that Moana not having a partner makes her a more inspiring character. She believes that Moana being independent will set a good example for other girls in the world, which suggests that the plot of Moana 2 won’t include a love interest either.

Moana’s Unique Status As A Disney Princess Works.

Cravalho is clearly very passionate about the character and has a deep understanding. As she stated, Moana is undoubtedly a Disney princess, but she is also unlike any other Disney character. Moana is not the prototypical Disney princess that most would imagine, but her uniqueness is a major reason why the Moana franchise has been so successful. After eight years, it will be great to see more of Moana in the upcoming Moana 2.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Moana 2 is the sequel to the 2016 animated film Moana. Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film continues the journey of Moana as she embarks on new adventures, exploring the vast Pacific Ocean while encountering new characters and challenges along the way.

Director

David G. Derrick Jr. , Jason Hand , Dana Ledoux Miller

Release Date

November 27, 2024

Studio(s)

Walt Disney Pictures , Walt Disney Animation Studios

Runtime

100 Minutes