The Evolution of Moana and the Disney Princess Archetype
When examining the progression of the Disney Princess archetype, Moana stands out as a significant advancement. Despite Maui’s initial cynicism in the first Moana film, where he jokingly defined a princess as someone who wears a dress and has an animal sidekick, Moana defied traditional princess tropes. She was not a princess by birth but rather the emerging chief of her people, driven by a mission to restore the heart of Te Fiti and save her community from destruction. The upcoming sequel, Moana 2, takes this evolution further by portraying Moana as not only a big sister but also as a prominent figure among her people.
Moana’s Continued Journey in Moana 2
“Three years have elapsed since the events of the first Moana film,” reveals Auliʻi Cravalho to Empire magazine as she reprises her role as the voice of Moana. “Moana has now become a skilled voyager,” she elaborates. “She is on a quest to explore the possibility of other civilizations beyond the confines of her known world.” This quest leads her on a voyage to connect with new communities across the seas. For Cravalho, returning to voice Moana feels like a homecoming, as she effortlessly slips back into the character’s persona. The bond between Cravalho and Moana remains strong, with Cravalho expressing her deep understanding of the character.
The Evolution of Moana Across Different Mediums
Cravalho also expresses support for the live-action adaptation of Moana, alongside the animated sequel. While Dwayne Johnson will reprise his role as Maui, a new actress, Catherine Laga’aia, will take on Moana’s mission. With Cravalho being of Hawaiian descent and Laga’aia having Samoan heritage, the portrayal of Moana in the live-action version is expected to reflect these cultural nuances. Cravalho hints that Laga’aia’s interpretation will bring a unique perspective to the character, emphasizing the continual evolution of Moana’s story and her unwavering pursuit of new horizons.
Experience Moana’s Journey in Moana 2
Experience the full Moana 2 story in Empire’s 40 Years Of The Terminator issue, available on Thursday, September 26th. Pre-order your copy online to immerse yourself in Moana’s continued adventures. Moana 2 will premiere in UK cinemas on November 29th.
FAQs
Q: What makes Moana stand out among other Disney Princesses?
A: Moana defies traditional princess stereotypes by being a strong leader of her people and embarking on a daring mission to save her community.
Q: What can we expect from Moana 2?
A: Moana continues her journey as a skilled voyager, exploring new horizons and connecting with different cultures beyond her own.
Q: How does the live-action adaptation of Moana differ from the animated sequel?
A: The live-action version introduces cultural nuances through the casting of actors with Pacific Islander heritage, providing a fresh perspective on Moana’s story.
Credit: www.empireonline.com
