Whatever they’re putting in the water at Disney Feature Animation these days, it seems to be working, with the team successfully launching Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph and a little film called Frozen, plus Big Hero 6, which arrives in the UK in January. But while we don’t yet know what the Mouse House has in store for 2015 (besides a Frozen short), the company’s 2016 film has just been announced, and it’s called **Moana.
No, it’s not a misspelt title adapted from the 1990 Craig McLachlan cover of ‘Mona’, but will instead tell the story of adventurous teenager Moana, who sets out on a seemingly impossible mission to fulfil her ancestors’ quest. Born in the ancient South Pacific locale of Oceania, the natural navigator is making it her mission to find a fabled island. On her journey, she’ll join forces with her hero, demi-god Maui and must brave all manner of challenges including giant sea creatures as she tries to reach her destination.
The new film comes from Ron Clements and John Musker, the people who brought the world Aladdin, The Princess And The Frog and The Little Mermaid, and based solely on the talent involved and the painterly concept art Disney posted online, we’re looking forward to it. “Moana is indomitable, passionate and a dreamer with a unique connection to the ocean itself,” Musker says on the company’s blog. “She’s the kind of character we all root for, and we can’t wait to introduce her to audiences.”