Auli'i Cravalho Discusses Moana's Princess Status

The highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2, continues the journey of its titular character, voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, as she aims to reconnect her people across the Pacific Ocean while facing new challenges, including a curse from Nalo, the god of storms. Cravalho has clarified that while Moana is the daughter of a chief and could be considered a princess, the character embodies a modern hero, focusing on self-discovery rather than traditional princess tropes. The film, directed by a new trio, showcases beautiful animation and character development, although some critics note the plot's muddled stakes and the prolonged separation of Moana and her demigod friend, Maui. Despite initial plans for a Disney+ series, the film transitioned to a theatrical release, reflecting Disney's trend of extending its intellectual properties. Moana 2 is expected to perform well at the box office, projected to surpass the Thanksgiving weekend opening of Frozen II. The film's narrative remains true to Moana's identity, emphasizing adventure and empowerment over conventional princess narratives.