Moana (character)

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| footer = Directors Ron Clements (right) and John Musker (left) created Moana.

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After directing The Princess and the Frog (2009), Clements and Musker started working on an adaptation of Terry Pratchett's Mort,{{cite news|last=Connelly|first=Brendon|title=What Disney's Film of Terry Pratchett's Mort Might Have Looked Like... And A Preview of Things To Come|url=http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/04/06/what-disneys-film-of-terry-pratchetts-mort-might-have-looked-like-and-a-preview-of-things-to-come/|access-date=January 28, 2021|website=Bleeding Cool|date=April 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408080408/http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/04/06/what-disneys-film-of-terry-pratchetts-mort-might-have-looked-like-and-a-preview-of-things-to-come |archive-date=April 8, 2013}} but problems with acquiring the necessary film rights prevented them from continuing with that project. To avoid a recurrence of that issue, they pitched three original ideas.{{cite web |last1=Zahed |first1=Ramin |title=New Info Arrives on Musker/Clements' 'Moana' |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/new-info-arrives-muskerclements-moana/ |website=Animation Magazine |access-date=March 7, 2021 |date=December 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220211818/https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/new-info-arrives-muskerclements-moana |archive-date=December 20, 2013}}{{cite news|last=Miller|first=Bruce|title=Sioux City native Ron Clements preps new film for Disney studio|url=http://siouxcityjournal.com/entertainment/movies/sioux-city-native-ron-clements-preps-new-film-for-disney/article_90931eff-4f52-5bfe-8fed-20b21ac104b7.html|access-date=January 28, 2021|newspaper=Sioux City Journal|date=August 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408090217/http://siouxcityjournal.com/entertainment/movies/sioux-city-native-ron-clements-preps-new-film-for-disney/article_90931eff-4f52-5bfe-8fed-20b21ac104b7.html |archive-date=April 8, 2015}} The genesis of one of those ideas (the one that was ultimately green-lit) occurred in 2011, when Musker began reading up on Polynesian mythology and learned of the heroic exploits of the demigod Māui. Intrigued with the rich culture of Polynesia, he felt it would be a suitable subject for an animated film. Shortly thereafter, Musker and Clements wrote a treatment and pitched it to John Lasseter, who recommended that both of them should go on research trips.{{cite interview|title=The Irascible Ron Clements and John Musker Talk 'Moana'|url=http://www.awn.com/animationworld/irascible-ron-clements-and-john-musker-talk-moana|subject=Ron Clements and John Musker|interviewer=Dan Sarto|website=Animation World Network|date=November 23, 2016|access-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319042440/https://www.awn.com/animationworld/irascible-ron-clements-and-john-musker-talk-moana |archive-date=March 19, 2021}}{{cite news|last=Giardina|first=Caroline|title='Moana' Directors Reveal How the Story Changed|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/moana-directors-reveal-how-story-changed-950468|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 25, 2016|access-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126153248/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/moana-directors-reveal-how-story-changed-950468 |archive-date=November 26, 2016}} Accordingly, in 2012, Clements and Musker went on research trips to Fiji, Samoa, and Tahiti to meet the people of the South Pacific Ocean and learn about their culture.{{cite journal|last1=Deitchman|first1=Beth|title=Finding Her Way: Directors John Musker and Ron Clements Have Charted A Course For Their New Film, Moana, Which Sails Into Theatres In November 2016|journal=Disney Twenty-three|date=Spring 2016|volume=8|issue=1|pages=32–33|publisher=The Walt Disney Company|location=Burbank|issn=2162-5492|oclc=698366817}} At first, they had planned to make the film entirely about Maui, but their initial research trips inspired Clements to pitch a new idea focused on the young daughter of a chief.{{cite news|last1=Robinson|first1=Joanna|title=How Pacific Islanders Helped Disney's Moana Find Its Way|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/11/moana-oceanic-trust-disney-controversy-pacific-islanders-polynesia|access-date=January 28, 2021|work=Vanity Fair|date=November 16, 2016|location=New York|url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125090327/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/11/moana-oceanic-trust-disney-controversy-pacific-islanders-polynesia |archive-date=November 25, 2016}}

Clements and Musker were fascinated to learn during their research that the people of Polynesia abruptly stopped making long-distance voyages about three thousand years ago. Their navigational traditions predated those of European explorers, beginning around 300 CE. Native people of the Pacific possessed knowledge of the world and their place in it prior to the incursion of foreigners. For example, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) were well aware of the existence of far away islands, had names for these places, and were interested in exploring them to benefit their societies. This voyaging heritage was made possible by a geographical knowledge system based on individual perspectives rather than the European cardinal direction system. The reasons for the halt of this voyaging tradition remain unknown, but scholars have offered climate change and resulting shifts in ocean currents and wind patterns as one possible explanation.{{Cite book|title=The World and All the Things Upon It: Native Hawaiian Geographies of Exploration|last=Chang|first=David A.|publisher=University of Minnesota Press|year=2016|location=Minneapolis|pages=1–32|chapter=Looking Out From Hawai'i's Shore: The Exploration of the World is the Inheritance of Native Hawaiians}} Native peoples of the Pacific resumed voyaging again a thousand years later; Clements and Musker set the film at that point in time, about two thousand years ago. The setting on a fictional island in the central Pacific Ocean drew inspiration from elements of the real-life island nations of Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.{{cite book|last1=Julius|first1=Jessica|last2=Malone|first2=Maggie|title=The Art of Moana|date=2016|publisher=Chronicle Books|location=San Francisco|isbn=9781452158976|page=10|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=84nTDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA10}}

Taika Waititi wrote the initial screenplay,{{cite news|title=Taika Waititi behind Disney script 'Moana'|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11345855|access-date=January 28, 2021|work=The New Zealand Herald|date=October 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021170612/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11345855|archive-date=October 21, 2014}} but went home to New Zealand in 2012 to focus on his newborn first child and What We Do in the Shadows (2014).{{cite news |last1=Hunt |first1=Elle |title=Taika Waititi on shaking up Thor and being a Hollywood outsider: 'They take this stuff so seriously' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/mar/21/taika-waititi-on-shaking-up-thor-and-being-a-hollywood-outsider |access-date=January 28, 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=March 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321000019/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/mar/21/taika-waititi-on-shaking-up-thor-and-being-a-hollywood-outsider |archive-date=March 21, 2017}} The first draft focused on Moana as the sole daughter in a family with "five or six brothers",{{cite interview|last=Giroux|first=Jack|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/moana-john-musker-and-ron-clements-interview/|title=Interview: 'Moana' Directors John Musker and Ron Clements on Making Their First CG Movie|website=/Film|date=November 23, 2016|access-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124144130/https://www.slashfilm.com/moana-john-musker-and-ron-clements-interview |archive-date=November 24, 2016}} in which gender played into the story. However, the brothers and gender-based themes were deleted from the story, as the directors thought Moana's journey should be about finding herself. A subsequent draft presented Moana's father as the one who wanted to resume voyage navigation, but it was rewritten to have him oppose navigation so he would not overshadow Moana. Instead, Pamela Ribon came up with the idea of a grandmother character for the film,{{cite AV media|people=Ron Clements and John Musker|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REscSO6AEpE|title=Moana: Ron Clements & John Musker Official Movie Premiere Interview|via=YouTube|publisher=ScreenSlam|date=November 27, 2016|time=4:50|type=Video |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105085658/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REscSO6AEpE |archive-date=January 5, 2017}} who would serve as a mentor linking Moana to ancient traditions. Another version focused on Moana rescuing her father, who had been lost at sea. The film's story changed drastically during the development phase, and that idea ultimately survived only as a subtle element of the father's backstory.{{cite news|last1=Topel|first1=Fred|title=Moana Directors Talk The Films Influences and Fun References|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/moana/260177/moana-directors-talk-the-films-influences-and-fun-references|access-date=January 28, 2021|work=Den of Geek|date=November 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123070818/https://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/moana/260177/moana-directors-talk-the-films-influences-and-fun-references |archive-date=November 23, 2016}}

In late 2014, a global casting call for the role of Moana began.{{cite web |author1=Project Casting |title=Disney's "Moana" Lead Role Talent Search Open Casting Call |url=https://www.projectcasting.com/casting-calls-acting-auditions/moana-disney-talent-search |website=Project Casting |access-date=February 16, 2021 |date=December 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210064003/https://www.projectcasting.com/casting-calls-acting-auditions/moana-disney-talent-search |archive-date=December 10, 2014}}{{cite web |last1=Asher |first1=Christina |title=Moana |url=https://www.cnacasting.com/moana |publisher=CNA Casting |access-date=February 16, 2021 |date=December 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205015151/https://www.cnacasting.com/moana |archive-date=December 5, 2014}} Cravalho did not consider auditioning for Moana as there had "already been so many great submissions over YouTube" and decided to focus on school instead as she was in her first year which was "confusing as it is". Cravalho was discovered at an audition to perform as entertainment at a non-profit event, without knowing that the agent who had attended those auditions was the same for Moana. Agent Rachel Sutton asked Cravalho if she wanted to audition for Moana; she was the last girl to be seen on the last day of casting.{{cite web |last1=Wang |first1=Frances Kai-Hwa |author-link=Frances Kai-Hwa Wang |title=The Next Disney Princess is Native Hawaiian Auli'i Cravalho |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/next-disney-princess-native-hawaiian-aulii-cravalho-n440131 |publisher=NBC News |access-date=February 18, 2021 |language=en |date=October 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008045101/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/next-disney-princess-native-hawaiian-aulii-cravalho-n440131 |archive-date=October 8, 2015}} During her audition, Cravalho sang 30 seconds of her favorite Disney song—"I See the Light" from Tangled—as well as Hawaiian songs. Cravalho stated she was confused throughout the entire audition—especially the process of slating—but felt she "gave it [her] best in the audition and it worked really well."{{cite interview |interviewer=Julie Kosin |first=Auli'i |last=Cravalho |title=Auli'i Cravalho on Voicing a New Kind of Disney Heroine as Princess Moana |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/news/a19148/aulii-cravalho-moana-interview |website=Harper's Bazaar |access-date=February 17, 2021 |date=November 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202175431/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/news/a19148/aulii-cravalho-moana-interview |archive-date=December 2, 2016}} In October 2015, Cravalho was officially chosen as Moana's voice actress.{{cite web |last1=Rice |first1=Lynette |title=The Next Disney Princess is Moana's Auli'i Cravalho |url=https://people.com/movies/the-next-disney-princess-is-moanas-aulii-cravalho |website=People |access-date=February 17, 2021 |language=en |date=October 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006042537/https://people.com/movies/the-next-disney-princess-is-moanas-aulii-cravalho |archive-date=October 6, 2016}} Producer Osnat Shurer said: "We were looking for someone who could embody the character, with all the strength and commitment, humor, heart and compassion. When we met Auliʻi, she was just bringing Moana to life."{{Cite web|url=http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/October-2015/5-Things-You-Should-Know-About-Disneys-New-Moana/|title=5 Things You Should Know About Disney's Moana Starring Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson|website=Honolulu|date=October 13, 2015 |language=en|access-date=August 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014121621/http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/October-2015/5-Things-You-Should-Know-About-Disneys-New-Moana/ |archive-date=October 14, 2015}}

Cravalho described Moana as being brave, beautiful, kind and strong, explaining she could list adjectives "all day". She called her a model for everyone, not just for girls.{{Cite web|url=http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/November-2016/Moanas-Aulii-Cravalho-is-Not-Your-Average-Disney-Princess/|title="Moana" Star Auli'i Cravalho is Not Your Average Disney Princess|website=Honolulu|date=November 2016 |language=en|access-date=August 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102161329/http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/November-2016/Moanas-Aulii-Cravalho-is-Not-Your-Average-Disney-Princess/ |archive-date=November 2, 2016}} Furthermore, she stated that Moana recognises her desires and is eager to obtain them. The actress enjoyed viewing her development and her assistance to grow her culture. Cravalho stated Moana is "different" from other Disney characters since she was "truly described as a Disney heroine", being both "empowered and empowering" and not having a love interest. She compared her to Mulan since they were both "kick butt". Cravalho "thoroughly enjoyed and will always feel deeply connected to Moana and voicing her as the strong, independent, beautiful heroine that she is."

File:Auli'i Cravalho December 2016.jpg in the English and Hawaiian versions of Moana (2016).]]

Since Cravalho had never done professional film work before, she was surprised about many things in the process. She recorded a line up to "30 or 40 times". She explained a different stress or emphasis on a particular word could create different emotions.{{cite interview |last1=Cravalho |first1=Auli'i |interviewer=Silas Lesnick |title=Auli'i Cravalho Knows the Way! |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/788303-moana-aulii-cravalho |website=ComingSoon.net |access-date=February 24, 2021 |date=November 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124160852/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/788303-moana-aulii-cravalho |archive-date=November 24, 2016}} 40 engineers would listen to her and listen to every grunt, voice change and volume change Cravalho made, listening for the exact emotion that they wanted to give in the film. Usually, the directors decided which take they would put in the final film. She also felt it was hard to be comfortable in the recording booth; usually, there were cameras for the animators to be able to add realistic facial expressions to the character. She was not sure how she should act while cameras were filming her recording her lines. When she sang, Cravalho needed the lights to be turned down. She asked for this since she did not want to feel like anybody was watching her since there were directors, animators, and writers watching her, sometimes sketching her and sometimes watching how she pronounced words. Cravalho was not used to the cameras and the "lights, camera, action" process and never recorded with co-stars Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, or Rachel House.

Cravalho reprised the role in 2017, dubbing the character again in the special Hawaiian-language dubbing of the movie. Cravalho reprised the role in Ralph Breaks the Internet where the character made a cameo appearance alongside the other Disney Princesses.

She reprised the role again by voicing Moana in Moana 2 in 2024. According to Cravalho, this was the first time "that a Disney princess has been allowed to age."{{cite news |last1=El-Mahmoud |first1=Sarah |title='This Is The First Time In Disney History': Moana 2's Auli'i Cravalho Tells Us About Her Disney Princess's Historic Accomplishment, And What It Means To Her |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/interviews/first-time-disney-history-moana-2-aulii-cravalho-disney-princesss-historic-accomplishment |work=CinemaBlend |date=December 3, 2024}} Moana and Cravalho were both 16 when the first film came out, but within the sequel's narrative, only three years had elapsed, while the sequel was actually released eight years later. During those years, Cravalho had been asked to raise the pitch of her voice to sound like her former teenage self when recording lines for Disney fireworks shows, Disney on Ice, and Disney Lego Princess. She was delighted when the sequel's directors allowed her to record her lines using her natural voice as a woman in her early twenties.

When the movie had its first theatrical release worldwide, it numbered 45 versions overall, including a special Tahitian-language dubbing created specifically for the movie.{{Cite news|url=http://ew.com/article/2016/10/25/moana-tahitian-language-translation/|title='Moana' to be First Disney Film Translated into Tahitian Language|date=October 25, 2016|newspaper=Entertainment Weekly|language=en-US|access-date=January 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027174013/http://ew.com/article/2016/10/25/moana-tahitian-language-translation |archive-date=October 27, 2016}} In June 2017, a Māori-language version of the movie, featuring four voice-actors from the original English cast, was announced.{{Citation|last=Speak Māori|title=Te Reo Māori Moana Casting|date=June 8, 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3b8CP0LNM0g&t=20s|access-date=July 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319055017/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3b8CP0LNM0g&t=20s |archive-date=March 19, 2021}} Three weeks later, New Zealander Jaedyn Randell was introduced as Moana's voice. The movie was released in September 2017.{{Citation|last=disney portuguêsfrançais|title=Meet the Maori Voices of Moana and Maui|date=July 3, 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl8xhwuR3lA|access-date=July 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924032452/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl8xhwuR3lA |archive-date=September 24, 2019}} In the same year, Shruti Rane (Hindi) reprised her role in the Bengali-language version of the movie. In November 2017, a Hawaiian-language dubbing was announced to be underway, with Auliʻi Cravalho reprising her role as Moana.{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BbAOujigpkd/|title=Instagram post by Auli'i • Nov 2, 2017 at 7:00 pm UTC|website=Instagram|language=en|access-date=November 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514034130/https://www.instagram.com/p/BbAOujigpkd/ |archive-date=May 14, 2019}}{{Cite news|url=http://koolina.com/press/disneys-moana-make-world-premiere-%CA%BBolelo-hawai%CA%BBi-ko-olinas-world-oceans-day-june-10/|title=Disney's Moana to make World Premiere in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi at Ko Olina's World Oceans Day, June 10|work=Ko Olina|date=May 1, 2018|access-date=May 19, 2018|language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520053754/http://koolina.com/press/disneys-moana-make-world-premiere-%CA%BBolelo-hawai%CA%BBi-ko-olinas-world-oceans-day-june-10/ |archive-date=May 20, 2018}} The movie premiered on June 10, 2018.

In many European countries, Moana's name was changed to "Vaiana" due to a trademark conflict.{{Cite web|title=VAIANA – trailer – Disney|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sg1VVHzSTo|date=September 19, 2016|via=YouTube |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190917212050/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sg1VVHzSTo |archive-date=September 17, 2019}} The film was released in those countries to bear the alternative name in the title.{{cite web|title=La princesa Moana en España se llamará Vaiana (y otros problemas de branding)|url=http://verne.elpais.com/verne/2015/10/08/articulo/1444317349_787548.html|date=October 11, 2015|website=Verne (El País)|language=es|trans-title=Princess Moana in Spain will be called Vaiana (and other branding problems)|access-date=October 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012181601/http://verne.elpais.com/verne/2015/10/08/articulo/1444317349_787548.html |archive-date=October 12, 2015}}

{{legend|PaleTurquoise|Highlighted versions were released later than 2016}}

In April 2023, it was announced that Walt Disney Pictures was developing a live-action film remake of Moana, executive produced by Auliʻi Cravalho, who would not reprise her role, but would be involved in the casting of her replacement. In July, casting for this replacement was paused due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.

Musker explained he and Clements invited a story without romance and alternatively have a focus on female empowerment with True Grit-quality: "the determined girl who teams up with a washed-up guy. They have this adventure and she finds her true calling—and saves the world in the process."{{cite magazine |last1=Berman |first1=Eliza |title=Why Disney Decided to Make Moana the Ultimate Anti-Princess |url=https://time.com/4473277/moana-disney-princess-directors-interview |magazine=Time |access-date=March 13, 2021 |date=September 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901214704/https://time.com/4473277/moana-disney-princess-directors-interview |archive-date=September 1, 2016}} He also said he appreciated the idea of an "action-adventure princess that could dive off cliffs and battle monsters".{{cite interview |last1=Musker |first1=John |last2=Clements |first2=Ron |interviewer=Yolanda Machado |title='Moana' Directors Reveal How They Made Disney's Next Hit |url=https://www.moviefone.com/2016/11/23/moana-directors-reveal-how-they-made-disneys-next-hit |website=Movie Fone |access-date=March 14, 2021 |language=en |date=November 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129005640/https://www.moviefone.com/2016/11/23/moana-directors-reveal-how-they-made-disneys-next-hit |archive-date=November 29, 2016}} Shurer said, to make a female protagonist, they needed to "make her whole in and of herself". Furthermore, she said they wanted Moana to be self-assertive and have both compassion and courage to set her apart from other characters.{{cite interview |last1=Musker |first1=John |last2=Shurer |first2=Osnat |last3=Clements |first3=Ron |title=The Director and Producer of Disney's 'Moana' on Its Politics and Taika Waititi |url=https://www.moviefone.com/2017/02/22/disney-moana-politics-taika-waititi |website=Movie Fone |access-date=March 14, 2021 |language=en |date=February 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311192316/https://www.moviefone.com/2017/02/22/disney-moana-politics-taika-waititi |archive-date=March 11, 2017}}

The creative team decided to create for Moana a realistic model with which girls could identify themselves, strong enough to be credible in activities, such as swimming, climbing a tree and jumping off a cliff.{{cite web |last1=Moss |first1=Rachel |title=Disney Has Finally Created A Heroine with a Realistic Body |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/disney-moana-has-a-realistic-body-type_uk_57e8c8cfe4b0e81629aa0935 |website=HuffPost |access-date=February 17, 2021 |language=en |date=September 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927132340/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/disney-moana-has-a-realistic-body-type_uk_57e8c8cfe4b0e81629aa0935 |archive-date=September 27, 2016}} Shurer stated it was an "absolutely" conscious decision, further explaining that since they were writing a "hero's journey", she needed to be identifiable to all.{{cite web |last1=Burgess |first1=Sanya |title=Healthy Disney girl sticks it to icicle Elsa |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/healthy-disney-girl-sticks-it-to-icicle-elsa-27w0zm6j2 |website=The Sunday Times |access-date=February 17, 2021 |language=en |date=September 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925000525/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/healthy-disney-girl-sticks-it-to-icicle-elsa-27w0zm6j2 |archive-date=September 25, 2016}} Musker said this was intentional and partially prompted by hopes for her to be distinctive. Additionally, they aimed to create an experienced "action hero". The visual development drawings of the people of the South Pacific also had realistic bodies. Musker said it "seemed right" for her to have this body as Moana performed many stunts that require a lot of physicality. There were also women who worked on Moana who greatly hoped for her to have a realistic body.{{cite web |last1=Flaherty |first1=Keely |title=Moana Is A Disney Princess with a More "Realistic" Body Shape |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/keelyflaherty/moana-is-a-disney-princess-with-a-more-realistic-body |website=BuzzFeed |access-date=February 18, 2021 |language=en |date=September 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908231407/https://www.buzzfeed.com/keelyflaherty/moana-is-a-disney-princess-with-a-more-realistic-body |archive-date=September 8, 2016}}

To make the hair more realistic and expressive, a new program, Quicksilver, was created.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2016/11/moana-disney-hand-drawn-aesthetic-1201749025/|title='Moana': How Disney Innovated Water and Hair for a Greater Hand-Drawn Aesthetic|last=Desowitz|first=Bill|date=November 22, 2016|website=IndieWire|language=en|access-date=August 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123141922/https://www.indiewire.com/2016/11/moana-disney-hand-drawn-aesthetic-1201749025 |archive-date=November 23, 2016}} Disney Elastic Rods was created to support twist for Moana's curly hair and the Multicurve for new twist information.{{cite web |title=The Art and Technology of Simulating Hair in Disney's Moana |url=https://media.disneyanimation.com/uploads/production/publication_asset/167/asset/moanaHair_abstract1.pdf |website=Walt Disney Animation |access-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208124002/https://media.disneyanimation.com/uploads/production/publication_asset/167/asset/moanaHair_abstract1.pdf |archive-date=February 8, 2021}} To make the hair look realistic when wet, animators had models with similar hair to Moana's dunk their head in water.{{cite web |last1=Valerio |first1=Britt |title=13 Things You Didn't Know About Moana |url=https://ohmy.disney.com/movies/2017/05/30/13-things-you-didnt-know-about-moana |website=Oh My Disney |access-date=January 28, 2021 |date=May 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606182541/https://ohmy.disney.com/movies/2017/05/30/13-things-you-didnt-know-about-moana |archive-date=June 6, 2017}} There were "collision driven hair rigs" which opened up "the possibilities of what the character's hair was able to do". Artistic direction and continuity was influenced by the freedom of motion, with most of the performance made through simulation. A new grab node was developed to help the curls of Moana's hair interact and collide. Various levels of wind were required for the character's hair since the film was set outside; as a result, the majority of the hair shots were the first time the Disney animators had animated such shots.

The costume designers wanted to make Moana's dress as authentic to her culture as possible. For example, the red color of Moana's dress was used to signify royalty at the time and since buttons did not exist, visual development artist Neysa Bové added a boar's tusk to keep the dress together. Bové stated Moana's top is made of mulberry while her skirt is made of pandanas. Bové added a slit at the front of Moana's dress so she could do the different activities she did in the film. She stated that with Moana, a large amount of research occurred at the Pacific Islands, where the film takes place. The film, however, was intended to be set 2,000 years before, making photo references impossible. Instead, they acquired material references from their Oceanic Trust. Much exploration was done for Moana's necklace, which is seen throughout most of the film.{{cite web |last1=Mynott |first1=Nicole|title=Here's Your First Look at Moana Costume Concept Art |url=https://style.disney.com/news/2016/09/07/first-look-at-moana-costume-concept-art |website=Disney Style |access-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030194441/https://style.disney.com/news/2016/09/07/first-look-at-moana-costume-concept-art |archive-date=October 30, 2020}}

{{blockquote|We found this abalone shell. It's actually a mollusk, and you find this on all the Pacific Islands; it's something they use quite a bit. What's beautiful about it is that it sort of looks like a rock until you start scraping that away, and you reveal this beautiful abalone beneath it with all these ocean colors [...] I sort of added a curve to the shell and it's a nice juxtaposition between land and sea, and as a voyager she uses the stars to navigate, so I added some star carvings up on top of the shell.|Bové|Disney Style}}

{{Main|Moana (2016 film)}}

Moana's grandmother, Tala, tells the story of Maui, the shape-shifting demigod of the wind and sea and master of sailing who stole goddess Te Fiti's heart. However, Te Fiti disintegrates, and Maui is attacked by Te Kā, a volcanic demon. His magical fishhook and Te Fiti's heart are lost in the ocean. The ocean then chooses Moana to return the heart to Te Fiti. Tui and Sina, Moana's parents, try to keep her away from the ocean to prepare her to become the island's chief. Sixteen years later, blight strikes her island and to attempt to prevent it, Moana suggests going beyond the reef which her father forbids her to. She tries with Pua the Pig but is overpowered by the waves and is shipwrecked back to shore. Tala shows Moana a secret cavern full of ships, revealing her ancestors were voyagers but stopped after Te Fiti's heart was stolen due to the ocean no longer being safe. She further explains Te Kā is causing the blight and she must seek Maui and the heart to stop it. On her deathbed, Tala convinces Moana to do so.

Setting sail on a camakau from the cavern, Moana is caught in a typhoon and shipwrecked on an island where she finds Maui, who boasts about his achievements. She demands that Maui return the heart, but he refuses and traps her in a cave. She escapes and confronts Maui who throws her off the boat multiple times but due to the ocean he reluctantly lets her onto the camakau. They are then attacked by Kakamora—coconut pirates—who, like other creatures, seek the heart. Moana and Maui escape them and Moana convinces Maui to help her by saying Maui is no longer a hero and should redeem himself by returning the heart. First, Moana and Maui must retrieve Maui's fishhook in Lalotai, the Realm of Monsters, from Tamatoa, a giant coconut crab. Maui takes his fishhook, only to find he does not have control over his shape-shifting anymore. Moana outwits Tamatoa and they escape. Maui reveals to Moana he became a demigod after his mortal parents abandoned him, the gods took pity on him and granted him powers. After Maui's confession, the two grow closer.

They are attacked by Te Kā after they arrive at Te Fiti's island. Moana refuses to turn back, resulting in Maui's hook being badly damaged. Unwilling to lose his hook in another confrontation, Maui abandons a tearful Moana who asks the ocean to find someone else to restore the heart and loses hope. The ocean obliges and takes the heart, Moana breaks down crying feeling hopeless but Tala's spirit appears, inspiring Moana to find her true calling. She retrieves the heart and sails back to confront Te Kā. Maui returns, having had a change of heart, and buys Moana time to reach Te Fiti by fighting Te Kā, destroying his hook in the process. Moana discovers Te Fiti is missing, and realizes Te Kā is Te Fiti, corrupted without her heart. Moana tells the ocean to clear a path, allowing her to return Te Fiti's heart, and the restored goddess heals the ocean and islands of the blight. Maui apologizes to Te Fiti, who restores his hook and gives Moana a new boat before falling into a deep sleep and becoming a mountain. Moana bids farewell to Te Fiti, returning home where she reunites with her parents and the rest of the villagers. Tui now accepts going past the reef, stating that it suits her. She then succeeds her father as the chief (Chiefess) and also becomes the wayfinder, leading her people as they resume voyaging.

{{Main|Ralph Breaks the Internet}}

A "meta" version of the character appears with other Disney princesses and Elsa and Anna from Frozen (2013) in the Wreck-It Ralph (2012) sequel, Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018). When some of the princesses describe to Vanellope von Schweetz how they stare at "important water" to gain inspiration for their songs, Moana says she stares at the ocean. Later, when Ralph is falling from a tower and needs saving by the princesses, Moana causes water from a fountain to spiral upwards so that Elsa can freeze it into a slide to slow Ralph's fall, saying "You're Welcome" after saving him.

{{Main|Moana 2}}

In December 2020, it was announced that Moana would have a self-titled spin-off animated television series debuting on Disney+ in 2023.{{cite news |last=Holloway |first=Daniel |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/moana-the-series-set-for-2023-on-disney-plus-1234851261/ |title='Moana,' 'Cars,' 'Princess and the Frog' Spinoff Series Set for Disney Plus |work=Variety |date=December 10, 2020 |access-date=December 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211002616/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/moana-the-series-set-for-2023-on-disney-plus-1234851261/ |archive-date=December 11, 2020}} The show was later redeveloped into a feature film sequel, set for release in November 2024.{{cite web |last1=Stephan |first1=Katcy |title='Moana 2' Set at Disney With Surprise 2024 Release Date |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/moana-2-disney-2024-release-date-1235901329 |website=Variety |access-date=February 8, 2024 |date=February 7, 2024}}

3 years after she returned Te Fiti's heart, Moana is now on the search for other people besides her island. She also has a younger sister named Simea who she adores. A visit from her ancestors tells her she must break the curse imposed by the power hungry god Nalo by bringing the island of Motufetu to reconnect the people. Due to the danger of the trip Moana recruits a crew to aid her. The craftswoman Loto, experienced elder farmer Kele, and historian and fanboy Moni. She desires to get Maui's aid but does not know how to call him.

Moana and her crew are attacked once again by the Kakamora, but soon learn they want what they do as well, leading to the Kakamora giving them a weapon to aid them, as well as the aid of a skilled coconut warrior Kotu. Moana is separated from her group and meets Matangi, a goddess who is the unwilling companion of Nalo. Matangi aids Moana as Nalo being defeated means she can be free from the clam she is in. She reveals she has Maui and had him here to assure her and Moana would reunite, before sending them to where they have to go.

Nalo's sea monsters turn out to be almost too much for the crew and Moni almost dies. Moana is devastated and loses faith in herself, but Maui manages to inspire her. Together the crew face Nalo with the humans distracting Nalo so that Maui can raise the island. The plan goes astray so Moana dives in and successfully touches the sunken island, breaking the curse. However a lightning strike from Nalo kills her just after she succeeds. Maui and the ancestors (including her grandmother) revive Moana and turn her into a demigoddess herself. Maui raises the island and they finally meet other groups of people. Afterwards, the crew travels to explore the free ocean. Unknown to her, Nalo has captured Matangi and is planning his revenge against Moana, with Tamatoa offering to aid him on it.

{{Main|Moana (2026 film)}}

In April 2023, it was announced that Walt Disney Pictures was developing a live-action film remake of Moana for a 2025 release, executive produced by Auliʻi Cravalho, who would not reprise her role, but would be involved in the casting of her replacement.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/moana-live-action-remake-in-the-works-disney-1235332204/|title=Live-Action Moana in the Works from Dwayne Johnson, Disney|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=3 April 2023|accessdate=April 3, 2023|archive-date=3 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403182250/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/moana-live-action-remake-in-the-works-disney-1235332204/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Piña |first=Christy |date=2023-05-19 |title=Auliʻi Cravalho Won't Reprise Titular Role in 'Moana' Live-Action, "Cannot Wait" to Help Find New Lead |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/auli%ca%bbi-cravalho-wont-reprise-role-moana-live-action-1235496776/ |access-date=2023-05-20 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} In July, casting for this replacement was paused due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Dwayne Johnson stated in February 2024 that an actress had been cast in the lead role but that it was intentionally being kept under wraps.{{Cite web |last=Ulatowski |first=Rachel |date=2024-02-10 |title=Live-Action Moana Movie Gets Casting Update After Surprise Sequel Announcement |url=https://screenrant.com/live-action-moana-movie-casting-update-dwayne-johnson/ |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}} Following the unveiling of Moana 2, the film was delayed to 2026.{{Cite news|url=https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/07/14/moana-lilo-stitch-among-hawaii-productions-halted-due-sag-aftra-strike/|title='Moana', 'Lilo & Stitch' among Hawaii productions halted as actors join writers on strike|website=Hawaii Public Radio|date=July 14, 2023|access-date=July 18, 2023}}{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |date=2024-04-05 |title=Disney Sets 'Toy Story 5,' 'Mandalorian & Grogu' for 2026, Delays Live-Action 'Moana' by a Year |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/disney-sets-toy-story-5-mandalorian-and-grogu-1235867413/ |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} In June 2024, it was announced that newcomer Catherine Laga'aia from Sydney, Australia was cast as Moana.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=2024-06-12 |title=Disney Finds Their Live-Action 'Moana' In Catherine Laga'aia |url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/moana-catherine-lagaaia-live-action-1235971801/ |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US}}

Moana appears as one of the main characters in Lego's animated special Lego Disney Princess: The Castle Quest, released on Disney+ on August 18, 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.bsckids.com/2023/08/lego-disney-princess-the-castle-quest-coming-to-disney/|title=LEGO Disney Princess : The Castle Quest Coming To Disney+ |date=August 3, 2023 |website=BSCkids}}

By 2019, Moana was inducted into the Disney Princess line-up, becoming the twelfth member of the media franchise, and toyline featuring female protagonists from various Disney animated films.{{cite web |last1=Tuttle |first1=Brittani |title=What makes a princess a Disney Princess? |url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/disney-princess-fox-lineup |website=Attractions Magazine |access-date=March 10, 2021 |date=March 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722204736/https://attractionsmagazine.com/disney-princess-fox-lineup |archive-date=July 22, 2019}}{{cite web |last1=Bajgrowicz |first1=Brooke |title=Disney's Unofficial Princesses, Ranked |url=https://screenrant.com/disneys-unofficial-princesses-ranked |website=Screen Rant |access-date=March 10, 2021 |date=August 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914041149/https://screenrant.com/disneys-unofficial-princesses-ranked |archive-date=September 14, 2019}} In 2016, Disney released a Moana doll with sustainable packaging.{{cite news |title=Disney and Destination Imagination Inspire Fans to Think Outside the Toy Box in Celebration of "Moana" |url=https://dpep.disney.com/disney-destination-imagination-inspire-fans-think-outside-toy-box-celebration-moana |website=Disney Parks, Experiences and Products |access-date=March 7, 2021 |date=October 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319061311/https://dpep.disney.com/disney-destination-imagination-inspire-fans-think-outside-toy-box-celebration-moana/ |archive-date=March 19, 2021}} On November 17, 2016, Disney released Moana: Rhythm Run, a premium mobile game as well as adding Moana content to Disney Stickers, Disney Crossy Road, Disney Emoji Blitz, Disney Story Central, and Disney Jigsaw Puzzles.{{cite news |title=New Moana Mobile Experiences Available Today |url=https://dpep.disney.com/new-moana-mobile-experiences-available-today |website=Disney Parks, Experiences and Products |access-date=March 7, 2021 |date=November 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319061429/https://dpep.disney.com/new-moana-mobile-experiences-available-today/ |archive-date=March 19, 2021}} On January 2, 2017, Disney released Moana: Island Life, a free-to-play mobile game.{{cite news |title='Moana Island Life' Launches for Mobile Devices |url=https://dpep.disney.com/moana-island-life-launches-mobile-devices |website=Disney Parks, Experiences and Products |access-date=March 7, 2021 |date=January 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319061728/https://dpep.disney.com/moana-island-life-launches-mobile-devices/ |archive-date=March 19, 2021}}

File:Moana Disney Parks.jpg.]]

On November 16, 2016, prior to her film's release, Moana made her debut at Walt Disney World, doing meet-and-greets at Disney's Polynesian Resort.{{cite web |last1=Wade |first1=Victoria |title=Moana Makes Disney World Debut |url=https://diskingdom.com/2016/11/16/moana-makes-disney-world-debut |website=DisKingdom |access-date=March 5, 2021 |language=en-us |date=November 16, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200601021806/https://diskingdom.com/2016/11/16/moana-makes-disney-world-debut |archive-date=June 1, 2020}} On November 18, 2016, Moana appeared in a surprise pre-parade of the Happy Birthday Mickey cavalcade in Disneyland Paris.{{cite web |title=Moana has made her first ever Disney Parks character appearance – in Paris! |url=https://www.dlptoday.com/2016/11/19/moana-has-made-her-first-ever-disney-parks-character-appearance-in-paris/ |website=DLP Today |access-date=March 5, 2021 |date=November 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201054310/https://www.dlptoday.com/2016/11/19/moana-has-made-her-first-ever-disney-parks-character-appearance-in-paris/ |archive-date=December 1, 2016}} On November 20, 2016, in Disneyland Paris, Moana began doing meet-and-greets at the Animation Station interactive post-show area of Art of Disney Animation.{{cite web |title=Disney's latest heroine Moana is coming to Disneyland Paris in one week |url=https://www.dlptoday.com/2016/11/12/disneys-latest-heroine-moana-is-coming-to-disneyland-paris-in-one-week |website=DLP Today |access-date=March 5, 2021 |date=November 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117060016/https://www.dlptoday.com/2016/11/12/disneys-latest-heroine-moana-is-coming-to-disneyland-paris-in-one-week |archive-date=November 17, 2016}} Since its debut on May 12, 2017, Moana appeared in Happily Ever After in Magic Kingdom, singing "How Far I'll Go".{{cite web |title=Happily Ever After Fireworks Show at Magic Kingdom |url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/au/disneyworld/entertainment/happily-ever-after-fireworks |website=Walt Disney World Resort |access-date=March 5, 2021 |language=en-AU |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319062137/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/au/disneyworld/entertainment/happily-ever-after-fireworks |archive-date=March 19, 2021}} After Tokyo Disneyland's refurbishment of "It's A Small World", Moana and Pua were featured in the Polynesian scene.{{cite web |last1=Corless |first1=Tom |title="it's a small world" at Magic Kingdom Adding Disney Characters to the Attraction for Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary |url=https://wdwnt.com/2019/08/its-a-small-world-at-magic-kingdom-adding-disney-characters-to-the-attraction-for-walt-disney-worlds-50th-anniversary/ |website=WDW News Today |access-date=March 5, 2021 |date=August 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807201525/https://wdwnt.com/2019/08/its-a-small-world-at-magic-kingdom-adding-disney-characters-to-the-attraction-for-walt-disney-worlds-50th-anniversary/ |archive-date=August 7, 2019}} Since the stage show's opening on May 25, 2018, Moana performed in Moana: A Homecoming Celebration in Hong Kong Disneyland.{{cite web |title=Moana: A Homecoming Celebration |url=https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/entertainment/moana-homecoming-celebration |website=Hong Kong Disneyland |access-date=March 5, 2021 |language=en |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191113203733/https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/entertainment/moana-homecoming-celebration |archive-date=November 13, 2019}} Moana has also appeared in Summer Blast in Shanghai Disneyland since 2019.{{cite web |last1=Porter |first1=Stephen |title=Maui Makes His First Disney Park Appearance in Shanghai Disneyland |url=https://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories/maui-makes-his-first-disney-park-appearance-in-shanghai-disneyland |website=WDW Info |access-date=March 5, 2021 |date=June 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702054334/https://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories/maui-makes-his-first-disney-park-appearance-in-shanghai-disneyland |archive-date=July 2, 2017}} Since its opening on October 16, 2023, the day of the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney company, Moana appeared in a new meet-and-greet location called Character Greetings, right located in next door to Journey of Water Pavilion in World Nature neighborhoods at EPCOT.

The Verge stated that Moana is a fully-rounded character with a believable, while still idealized body. They also praised her resourcefulness and the fact she does not end up partnered at the end of the film.{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Tasha |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/26/13749060/moana-film-review-walt-disney-animation-dwayne-johnson-diversity |title=Moana review: after 80 years of experiments, Disney has made the perfect Disney movie |website=The Verge |access-date=July 29, 2020 |date=November 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127082329/https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/26/13749060/moana-film-review-walt-disney-animation-dwayne-johnson-diversity |archive-date=November 27, 2016}} IGN conveyed that she is a wonderful role model for her perseverance and courage.{{cite web |last1=Goldman |first1=Eric |title=Moana Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/11/15/moana-review |website=IGN |access-date=July 29, 2020 |date=November 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115022528/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/11/15/moana-review |archive-date=November 15, 2016}} Victoria McNally states that she is the most revolutionary Disney Princess by not having a love interest, being a good leader, and embracing her culture.{{cite news |last1=McNally |first1=Victoria |title=7 ways 'Moana' is the most revolutionary Disney Princess yet |url=https://www.revelist.com/movies/moana-disney-review/5938 |website=Revelist |access-date=August 1, 2020 |date=November 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409015432/https://www.revelist.com/movies/moana-disney-review/5938 |archive-date=April 9, 2017}} A. O. Scott of The New York Times said Moana was "inspiring" due to her smartness, bravery and decency.{{cite web |last1=Scott |first1=A. O. |author-link=A. O. Scott |title=Review: 'Moana,' Brave Princess on a Voyage With a Chicken (Published 2016) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/22/movies/moana-review.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=November 30, 2020 |date=November 22, 2016 |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122221549/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/22/movies/moana-review.html |archive-date=November 22, 2016}} The fact Moana did not aim to meet a prince was praised by Firstpost.{{cite web |last1=Fadnavis |first1=Mihir |title=Moana movie review: Yet another lovable addition to Disney's slate of quality films |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/moana-movie-review-yet-another-lovable-addition-to-disneys-slate-of-quality-films-3135894.html |website=Firstpost |access-date=February 15, 2021 |date=December 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309111342/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/moana-movie-review-yet-another-lovable-addition-to-disneys-slate-of-quality-films-3135894.html |archive-date=March 9, 2017}} Plugged In writer Bob Hoose lauded Moana's focus, determination, and the fact she was able to face death to fix the wrongs of the past.{{cite web |last1=Hoose |first1=Bob |title=Moana |url=https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/moana-2016 |website=Plugged In |access-date=February 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128103704/https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/moana-2016 |archive-date=November 28, 2016}} The Times of India wrote "she also conquers your heart. You won't regret setting sail and voyaging with her."{{cite web |last1=Bhave |first1=Nihit |title=Moana Review {4/5}: The movie chugs along with breathtaking animation and quirky characters |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/english/movie-reviews/moana/movie-review/55723134.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=February 15, 2021 |date=December 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201112119/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/english/movie-reviews/moana/movie-review/55723134.cms |archive-date=December 1, 2016}} The Guardian commended Moana since she cared about nature and was willing to face the challenges of the future.{{cite web |last1=Kermode |first1=Mark |title=Moana review – sail of the century from Disney |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/dec/04/moana-review-disney |website=The Guardian |access-date=February 15, 2021 |language=en |date=December 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204112702/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/dec/04/moana-review-disney |archive-date=December 4, 2016}} Variety described her as "one of Disney's most remarkable heroines yet" since she did not await a prince and took control of her own destiny.{{cite web |last1=Debruge |first1=Peter |title=Film Review: 'Moana' |url=https://variety.com/2016/film/reviews/moana-review-walt-disney-animation-studios-1201911413 |website=Variety |access-date=February 15, 2021 |date=November 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108131909/https://variety.com/2016/film/reviews/moana-review-walt-disney-animation-studios-1201911413 |archive-date=November 8, 2016}} The Stanford Daily praised Moana's development and her "human traits" which were not present in previous Disney Princesses.{{cite web |last1=Kim |first1=Elaine |title=Film review: Masterful 'Moana' defies the Disney formula |url=https://www.stanforddaily.com/2016/12/01/moana |website=Stanford Daily |access-date=February 15, 2021 |date=December 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201172613/https://www.stanforddaily.com/2016/12/01/moana |archive-date=December 1, 2016}}

Cravalho was also praised for her voice acting and singing. Screen Rant called her performance "lively and charismatic".{{cite web |last1=Schaefer |first1=Sandy |title=Moana Review |url=https://screenrant.com/moana-movie-reviews |website=Screen Rant |access-date=February 16, 2021 |date=November 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124152145/https://screenrant.com/moana-movie-reviews |archive-date=November 24, 2016}} Common Sense Media stated Cravalho and Johnson shared a "refreshingly student-and-mentor-like chemistry".{{cite web |last1=Chen |first1=Sandie Angulo |title=Moana |url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/moana |website=Common Sense Media |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en |date=June 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201143143/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/moana |archive-date=December 1, 2016}} Firstpost said she was going to be a "huge star" in the future and felt her "insane" singing range was one of the most surprising things in the film. Rolling Stone described Cravalho's performance as sassy.{{cite magazine |last1=Travers |first1=Peter |title='Moana' Review: Disney's Animated Musical Is a Feminist Delight |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-reviews/moana-review-disneys-animated-polynesian-musical-is-a-feminist-delight-111053 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=February 16, 2021 |date=November 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720225522/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-reviews/moana-review-disneys-animated-polynesian-musical-is-a-feminist-delight-111053 |archive-date=July 20, 2018}} The Guardian and Radio Times felt Cravalho's voice acting and singing were beautiful.{{cite web |last1=Johnston |first1=Trevor |title=Moana – review {{!}} cast and crew, movie star rating and where to watch film on TV and online |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/film/dtbp2v/moana |website=Radio Times |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en |date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205232044/https://www.radiotimes.com/film/dtbp2v/moana |archive-date=December 5, 2017}} RogerEbert.com said Cravalho showed skills beyond her age and praised her grace, timing and energy. Flixist wrote Cravalho was an "absolute delight".{{cite web |last1=Valdez |first1=Nick |title=Review: Moana |url=https://www.flixist.com/review-moana |website=Flixist |access-date=February 16, 2021 |date=February 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026045907/https://www.flixist.com/review-moana |archive-date=October 26, 2020}} The New Zealand Herald compared her voice acting to that of Mickey Mouse Club.{{cite web |title=Movie review: Moana |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/movie-review-moana/R2OIGPVM75Q7IEKBFVK6XMFHBQ |website=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en-NZ |date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319104217/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/movie-review-moana/R2OIGPVM75Q7IEKBFVK6XMFHBQ |archive-date=March 19, 2021}} The Hollywood Reporter was impressed by Cravalho's voice acting and complimented her singing range.{{cite web |last1=Rechtshaffen |first1=Michael |title='Moana': Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/moana-review-944411 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=en |date=November 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107221118/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/moana-review-944411 |archive-date=November 7, 2016}} Entertainment Weekly wrote Cravalho "show[ed] off her pipes" during Moana's "I Want" song "How Far I'll Go".{{cite magazine |last1=Coggan |first1=Devon |title='Moana': EW Review |url=https://ew.com/article/2016/11/07/moana-ew-review |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=February 16, 2021 |language=EN |date=November 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108011014/https://ew.com/article/2016/11/07/moana-ew-review |archive-date=November 8, 2016}}

The character has not been without criticism, however. ScreenCrush said it was "not impossible" to criticize Moana's "underwhelming qualities".{{cite web |last1=Hayes |first1=Britt |title='Moana' Review: A Less-Than-Fantastic Voyage From Disney |url=https://screencrush.com/moana-review |website=ScreenCrush |access-date=February 15, 2021 |language=en |date=November 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123115556/https://screencrush.com/moana-review |archive-date=November 23, 2016}} Film Inquiry felt Moana lacked originality and unpredictability in her arc, calling her a "carbon copy of every other Disney Princess".{{cite web |last1=Daringer |first1=Mike |title=MOANA: Animated By The Numbers |url=https://www.filminquiry.com/moana-2016-review |website=Film Inquiry |access-date=February 15, 2021 |date=December 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207105805/https://www.filminquiry.com/moana-2016-review |archive-date=December 7, 2016}} Similarly, Den of Geek found it unfortunate that Moana was an "inversion" of Ariel from The Little Mermaid.{{cite web |last1=Crow |first1=David |title=Moana Review |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/moana-review |website=Den of Geek |access-date=February 15, 2021 |date=November 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302215953/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/moana-review |archive-date=March 2, 2021}}

Moana received a nomination for Best Animated Female from the Alliance of Women Film Journalists, tying for the award with Judy Hopps from Zootopia.{{cite web|title=2016 AWFJ EDA Award Winners|url=http://awfj.org/eda-awards-2/2016-awfj-eda-award-winners/|website=Alliance of Women Film Journalists|access-date=February 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106011346/http://awfj.org/eda-awards-2/2016-awfj-eda-award-winners/ |archive-date=January 6, 2017}} Additionally, Moana and Maui were nominated for Favourite Frenemies at the 2017 Kids' Choice Awards, losing the award to characters from Zootopia.{{cite web|last1=Levy|first1=Dani|title=Justin Timberlake and Kevin Hart Lead Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards Nominations|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/nickelodeon-kids-choice-awards-nominations-2017-full-list-1201975603/|website=Variety|access-date=February 16, 2021|date=February 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203080842/https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/nickelodeon-kids-choice-awards-nominations-2017-full-list-1201975603/ |archive-date=February 3, 2017}} Cravalho has also received and been nominated for several other awards including winning an Annie Award for Outstanding Voice Acting and a Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Female Voice from an Animated Movie as well as being nominated for two Teen Choice Awards, winning one for Choice Breakout Movie Actress.{{cite news|last1=Flores|first1=Terry|title='Zootopia' Wins Top Prize at Annie Awards (Winners List)|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/annie-awards-2017-zootopia-winners-list-1201978375/|access-date=February 16, 2021|website=Variety|date=February 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205195019/https://variety.com/2017/film/news/annie-awards-2017-zootopia-winners-list-1201978375/ |archive-date=February 5, 2017}}{{Cite magazine |last=Grein |first=Paul |date=June 21, 2025 |title=Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, Ariana Grande Win Multiple Awards at 2025 Kids' Choice Awards (Full Winners List) |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2025-kids-choice-awards-winners-list-1236004651/ |access-date=June 22, 2025 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250622045043/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2025-kids-choice-awards-winners-list-1236004651/ |archive-date=June 22, 2025 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Vulpo |first1=Mike |title=Teen Choice Awards 2017 Winners: The Complete List |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/873075/teen-choice-awards-2017-winners-the-complete-list |publisher=E! |access-date=February 16, 2021 |date=August 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814105131/https://www.eonline.com/news/873075/teen-choice-awards-2017-winners-the-complete-list |archive-date=August 14, 2017}}

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