Meet Moana, Disney's Newest Princess
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Meet Moana, Disney's Newest Princess

Could she be leading Disney into a different direction?

68
Meet Moana, Disney's Newest Princess
Popsugar

Recently, Disney released the teaser trailer for their newest film, "Moana." While the teaser trailer focuses heavily on the demigod Maui (played by Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson), the movie is meant to follow a young Polynesian princess named Moana as she attempts to save her people. But even so, this new story seems to be different from the typical Disney princess movies in which the girl meets a handsome man, they fall in love and live happily ever after. And with these new changes, "Moana" might end up being another "Frozen."

To start off, Moana herself brings diversity to the Disney princesses. Not only is the character Polynesian, but the young actress playing Moana (an undiscovered young woman named Auli'i Carvalho) is a Pacific Islander, just like Johnson. It seems like Disney is starting to show more initiative to cast actors who are of the same heritage as the the story.

Moana also looks different from other Disney characters. For one, she looks like a Polynesian woman. The artists didn't try to change her culture or make her more white. Instead, they kept it as true to the character's heritage as possible. Moana also does not have the freakishly thin waist and extreme hourglass shape to her body. She looks like a real woman. And while those overly accentuated figures of past Disney princesses are cute and work for the fantastical characters they portray, they aren't realistic at all. So for Moana to actually look human and still remain beautiful, this will show young women watching the movie that aiming for the stick-like shape of Aurora or the nearly nonexistent waist of Jasmine is not possible, and that realistic bodies are still gorgeous.

And then there's the storyline of "Moana." As far as anyone knows, there is no handsome Prince Charming set to sweep Moana off her feet. This movie seems to be following the same family-oriented plot as "Brave" and "Frozen." Disney seems to have been going in this direction for a while now, and it keeps getting better every time. Little girls watching Disney movies no longer just see women fighting for true love, but women fighting for family and for themselves. This promotes a much stronger and more important love in young women: self-love.

So overall, "Moana" appears to be following Disney's new path for diversity and family. And if this is the case, "Moana" might just be the next "Frozen." But more than anything, it gives Disney the opportunity to explore new cultures and people. And even though "Moana" won't be released until 2018, many people are excited for what's coming next.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

113067
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments