Disney’s newest animated movie, and its protagonist Moana, could be a turning point for them. Frozen took the standard Disney formula and played with it. The princess was the hero who saved the day and the ‘power of love’ was between her and her sister. Yet Moana looks set to discard the formula almost entirely.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKFuXETZUsI[/embedyt]
[gap height=”15″]
First of all, it doesn’t look like there’s going to be any romance between Moana and Maui. Furthermore, she actually may be more powerful than Maui as well. Since Disney has given us a synopsis, we have some idea of what to expect.
“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.
From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes ‘Moana,’ a sweeping, CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, she meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds.”
As much as princesses in castles are a Disney staple, the new setting could do wonders for their brand. Because it’s worth noting that one of Disney’s biggest hits was the Lion King. Of course, even that had a royal family and a ‘throne’ to fight over.
While ‘Disney Princesses’ is an actual brand from the house of mouse it’s time to for them to move on. Frozen 2 can give us our princess fix while Moana gives girls a different role model. Namely, an explorer teaming up with a demi-god to save the day.
For more news on upcoming movies, comics and games, make sure you stay tuned to The Nerd Stash!