As the years go by, the Disney princesses we’re introduced to become more and more relatable. No more are the days of the damsels in distress or the women yearning for a man to complete their lives. Now, we have the likes of Mulan, Tiana, Merida, a reimagined Rapunzel and so much more—all of whom may have had romantic interests, but never let that get in the way of their true happily ever after.
And now, Disney is continuing its reputation as an always improving powerhouse with the arrival of the Polynesian princess, Moana, in theaters this November. With the official trailers out, it’s hard not to be excited for this diverse princess.
Here are a few reasons why we can’t wait to meet her highness, herself:
Moana will open an entirely new door to representation.
Though Disney has a fairly decent track record of including women of color in their lineup of princesses, Moana will be the very first Pacific Islander to hit the Disney big screen. She is voiced by Hawaiian native, Auli’i Cravalho, who said herself, “I never imagined being in a Disney movie—being Moana, representing my culture in that way.” Joining her will be half-Samoan superstar, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. We are so ready to hear, see, feel and learn more about the Polynesian culture through Moana!
The directors of “Aladdin” and “The Little Mermaid” have teamed up to co-direct.
If you haven’t heard, Ron Clements and John Musker are the directors who brought Ariel, Aladdin and Jasmine, Tiana, Hercules and more to life! It’s only fitting, since the story line of “Moana” involves a young teenager with hopes to see what’s beyond the world she knows (ring a bell?). Even with the familiar plot, we’re excited to see what “Moana” has in store (like these weird, evil coconut things).
Why do they have arms and legs? Why are they so angry? Are there other evil fruit? So many questions.
Judging from just the trailer, the movie will definitely boast some jaw-dropping computer animation.
“Moana” is the first CGI film both Clements and Musker will be working on, and it’s probably the prettiest one they’ll ever direct. The trailer is no joke, folks. The animators did an amazing job with making the audience feel like they were right there, on the Pacific Islands with Moana, 2,000 years ago. The magnificence might even make you tear up a little (not that I did or anything…).
The movie features music by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Dwayne Johnson will be SINGING!
Lin-Manuel Miranda has already made pretty huge waves this past year—in case you live under a rock, his hit musical, “Hamilton,” won a whopping 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. So you can only imagine how amazing the soundtrack for “Moana” is going to be. Miranda is teaming up with Disney regular, Mark Mancina (think “Lion King” and “Tarzan”) and Pacific musician, Opetaia Foa’I. As if that wasn’t enough, America’s most valuable treasure, a.k.a. The Rock, will be showing off his vocals too. I can’t handle any of this; someone send help.
What are you most excited to see when “Moana” hits theaters this November? Let us know using the hashtag, #CampusCropChat, and don’t forget to like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @asicpp!
