Source: thedisneyblog.com
Disney unveiled a new princess at this year’s D23 expo, her name is Moana. And she’s gonna be great. Here’s what we learned from the info and pictures released at the expo!
Source: D23 Expo
Set to be released in 2016, ‘Moana’ follows the spirited teenage daughter of a Polynesian chief in her quest for a long-lost island of legend (described to her by her grandmother).
Source: D23 Expo
Along the way, she meets Maui, a demigod (voiced by Dwayne Johnson, who couldn’t be more perfect to voice a singing virile Hawaiian hero!!!!). Maui’s half-god state has lead him to identity struggles, and thus tries to satisfy both the human and godly standards. According to Hawaiian legend, Maui founded all seven of the islands.
Source: D23 Expo
Moana’s special relationship with the sea has its origins in her early childhood, she can be seen here playing with some waves, the ocean seems to be personified, that’s cool.
Source: D23 Expo
I guess a natural progression from playing footsies with the sea is sailing it under a gorgeous night sky like a badass.
Source: D23 Expo
This next picture looks like a villain, but is also reminiscent of the volcano goddess Pele, with her fiery lava hair, can’t wait to see what this is about!
Source: D23 Expo
Let’s take one last look at Moana:
Source: D23 Expo
As a teen girl who grew up looking up to Disney princesses, and loving them all, I need to express my love for the fact that Moana looks real. I’m not talking about the 3D animation, I’m referring to her body proportions. Her calves are thick and on the muscular side, quite the opposite of a traditional Disney princess, and you know what? Her hair looks pretty frizzy in those pics on the right!!! Moana looks like she’s going to be doing the body positivity movement a favour by promoting an unconventionally thicker body (‘thick’ for a Disney Princess, I mean) that is BEAUTIFUL. Not to mention the fact that she will be the first Polynesian Disney princess, which is fantastic beyond words! Finally one of the world’s most fascinating cultures is getting the representation it deserves within the world of Disney.
Those are the highlights of the D23 Expo reveal of Moana, you can catch it in theatres Nov. 23, 2016!
Article Submitted by Rachel Hill
