Hey there, Disney enthusiasts! Ready to embark on a magical journey? Today, we’re setting sail with Moana, the brave and adventurous Polynesian princess who stole our hearts with her courage and determination.
But we’re not just rehashing her epic adventure. We’re diving deeper, uncovering the behind-the-scenes secrets and fascinating facts that make Moana a true Disney masterpiece.
So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!
Moana’s Age and Role
Now, let’s get to the burning question: Just how old is Moana?
Drumroll, please… Moana is 16 years old!
Yes, you read that right. This fearless heroine who embarked on a perilous journey to save her island was just a teenager.
This fact is revealed in the children’s novel version of the movie, making her one of the youngest Disney princesses to undertake such a heroic mission.
Moana isn’t your typical Disney princess. She’s the daughter of a chief, blessed with an adventurous spirit and a love for the sea.
She’s strong, independent, and courageous, challenging the traditional princess norms. Her athletic physique and rebellious personality make her a unique and relatable character for young girls everywhere.
Moana’s Journey and Impact
Moana’s mission is a testament to her bravery and love for her people. When her beloved island of Motunui is threatened, she sets sail on a treacherous voyage across the ocean to save it.
Along the way, she battles coconut pirates, befriends a demigod, and restores the heart of the island goddess Te Fiti. Talk about an epic adventure!
Moana’s impact goes beyond her movie. Her character has been praised for its representation of Polynesian culture and for breaking away from traditional princess stereotypes.
She’s become a beloved figure in the Disney universe, inspiring young girls to be brave, independent, and true to themselves.
Fascinating Facts about Moana
- The Making of Moana: The Moana team logged tens of thousands of miles in research. They visited islands like Fiji, Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Samoa to soak up as much as possible about the culture and environment.
- The Characters: Moana’s sidekick, Hei Hei the rooster, was almost cut from the film. But thanks to a last-minute makeover that turned him from a macho rooster into the “dumbest character in Disney history,” he was saved.
- The Music: The music of Moana is a blend of traditional Pacific Island sounds and Broadway-style tunes. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the genius behind the Broadway hit Hamilton, was part of the music team!
- The Cultural Significance: Moana is more than just a movie. It’s a celebration of Polynesian culture and heritage. The filmmakers even hired a council of experts, dubbed “The Oceanic Story Trust,” to ensure the film’s cultural accuracy.
Lesser-Known Facts about Moana
- Maui’s Development: The character of Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson, is based on actual Polynesian mythology. The filmmakers also incorporated elements of Johnson’s personality into Maui’s character.
- Historical Inspiration: Moana’s story was inspired by a historical mystery about why the great exploration of the South Pacific stopped for 1,000 years.
- Technical Achievements: Moana is 80% visual effects shots, making it one of the most technically advanced animated films Disney has ever done.
- Moana’s Voice: Auli’i Cravalho, the voice of Moana, was only 14 when she was cast, making her the youngest actress to voice a Disney Princess.
- The Tattoos: Maui’s tattoos were hand-drawn frame by frame, a process known as ‘tattooimation.’
- The Water: The water in Moana was a character in itself and required the creation of a whole new software to animate it.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks! The magical world of Moana is even more enchanting when you dive beneath the surface. From her age and role to the fascinating facts and lesser-known truths, every aspect of this film is a testament to Disney’s commitment to storytelling. So next time you watch Moana, you’ll appreciate it even more knowing these jaw-dropping facts!
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FAQs
How old is Moana?
Moana is 16 years old.
Who is the voice behind Moana?
Moana is voiced by Auli’i Cravalho.
What is Moana’s mission?
Moana’s mission is to save her island, Motunui, which is threatened by a dark curse.
Is Moana considered a Disney Princess?
Yes, Moana is considered a Disney Princess.
What makes Moana unique among Disney princesses?
Moana is unique for her Polynesian heritage, her adventurous spirit, and her role as a leader and savior of her people.
Who are the main characters in Moana?
The main characters in Moana are Moana, Maui, and Hei Hei.
What is the cultural significance of Moana?
Moana is significant for its accurate and respectful representation of Polynesian culture and heritage.
How was the music for Moana created?
The music for Moana was created by a team that included Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, and Opetaia Foa’i, the founder of the popular contemporary Pacific band Te Vaka.
What are some lesser-known facts about Moana?
Some lesser-known facts about Moana include the extensive research done by the film team, the near-removal of Hei Hei from the film, and the technical achievements that make it one of Disney’s most advanced animated films.
How was the character of Maui developed?
The character of Maui was developed based on actual Polynesian mythology. The filmmakers also incorporated elements of Dwayne Johnson’s personality into Maui’s character.
