Walt Disney’s Moana: The Ultimate Anti-Princess Story

Walt Disney’s “Moana,” one of Time’s most anticipated movies of Fall 2016, will be released in the Philippines on November 30. The animated film stars the voices of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the tattooed demi-god “Maui” and newcomer Auli’i Cravalho as 16-year-old Moana, the first Polynesian princess. Moana joins the ranks of all-time favorites Belle and Ariel in this much anticipated movie.

Moana: Distinct Anti-Princess theme breaks stereotype

Directors Ron Clements and John Musker told Time that Moana is a heroine – an anti-princess, and that the story is about Moana’s coming-of-age journey which is very different from the common plot lines of Disney films.

In the film, Moana is a young girl who is faced with making a choice between the conservative expectation of her family and her passion for the exciting sea life. As the heroine, she is bent on looking for Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who is believed to be the creator of the Polynesian Islands. He frustrates Moana in a way because he has not been of significant help. The plot gets more interesting as scenes unfold.

Musker and Clements are behind the Disney Classics “Alladin” and “The Little Mermaid.” Now that they have been working on “Moana,” Musker says that he has not been involved with other princess characters who is as badass as first Polynesian heroine.

WATCH: “Moana” trailer on Youtube via verified channel of Fresh Movie Trailers.

Moana: Newcomer Auli’i Cravalho’s Breakout Role

Auli’i Cravalho is a newcomer to the American audience but on November 23, Cravalho will no longer be unfamiliar. In The New York Times feature on Fall newcomers, it is revealed that Disney studios decided not to cast a star for the iconic character Moana. When producers heard the charming voice of then 14-year-old Auli’i’s, they knew they ended up with a star regardless.

Although Cravalho did not have any experience in performing, she impressed Disney by her “vocal chops” and by the fact the she perfectly resembles Moana. Like the Polynesian heroine, Auli’i also grew up surfing, paddle boarding, surfing and being one who loves cracking jokes. She also heard a lot of myths about the island deity Maui.

According to The New York Times, “Cravalho aced her vocal work.” This includes the original songs by Broadway veterans like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina.

WATCH: Short documentary on how Auli’i  is casted as Moana on YouTube via verified Walt Disney Animation Studios channel