Moana | |
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Moana character | |
![]() Moana as she appears in Moana (2016). | |
First appearance | Moana (2016) |
Created by | |
Voiced by |
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Portrayed by | Catherine Laga'aia (upcoming live-action film) |
In-universe information | |
Title | Chieftess of Motunui |
Occupation | |
Affiliation | Disney Princesses |
Family |
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Nationality | Polynesian |
Moana of Motunui is the title character of the 2016 Walt Disney Animation Studios film Moana. Created by directors Ron Clements and John Musker, Moana is voiced by Hawaiian actress and singer Auliʻi Cravalho. As a toddler, she is voiced by Louise Bush. Moana is set to return in the sequel film Moana 2, which will premiere in 2024, again voiced by Cravalho, as well as a live-action remake film, in 2026, in which she will be portrayed by Catherine Laga'aia.
Inspired by Polynesian mythology, Moana is depicted as the strong-willed daughter of a chief of a Polynesian village, who is chosen by the ocean itself to reunite a mystical relic with the goddess Te Fiti. When a blight strikes her island, Moana sets sail in search of Maui (Dwayne Johnson), a legendary demigod, in the hope of returning the relic to Te Fiti and saving her people.
Moana received widespread critical acclaim for her independence as well as Cravalho for her vocal performance. By 2019, Moana was officially inducted into the Disney Princess line-up, becoming the twelfth member.