Walt Disney Animation Studios Invite You to Meet Moana!

Who is Moana? "Moana is a vibrant, tenacious 16-year-old growing up on an island where voyaging is forbidden,” explains director Ron Clements. “But Moana has been drawn to the ocean since she can remember and is desperate to find out what’s beyond the confines of her island.” With much anticipation, Walt Disney Animation Studios presents Moana, a spectacularly animated adventure featuring a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. Before we have the opportunity to meet Moana, here's the story- 

"Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast South Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one today knows why. During her journey, Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds."

Following the competitive worldwide talent search auditioning hundreds of performers aspiring to be cast title character, Moana, 14 year-old, native Hawaiian Auli’i Cravalho, has been selected to voice the title character. “I didn’t think I would have a chance,” Cravalho said. “When I was little, I used to dance around the house singing at the top of my lungs. In my mind, that was performing and I loved the feeling of it. But I never imagined being in a Disney movie, being Moana—representing my culture in that way.”

“Auli’i demonstrated a certain fearlessness in her auditions and call-backs,” said film director John Musker. “She has a playful, mischievous wit. She can project vulnerability, she doesn’t seem intimidated at all by the challenges ahead, and her Polynesian background has helped shape her connection to family, hard work and music. These are all qualities she shares with Moana.”

Moana open in theaters on November 23rd, 2016

Like Moana on Facebook