Moana (2016 film)

Moana (2016 film)
Name	Moana
Caption	Theatrical release poster
Director	Ron Clements, John Musker
Producer	Osnat Shurer
Screenplay	Jared Bush, Ron Clements, John Musker
Story	Ron Clements, John Musker, Chris Williams
Starring	Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson
Music	Mark Mancina, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi
Studio	Walt Disney Animation Studios
Distributor	Walt Disney Pictures
Released	November 23, 2016
Runtime	107 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$150 million
Gross	$644.2 million

Moana (2016 film) is a 2016 American computer-animated musical adventure film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, with a screenplay by Jared Bush, the film follows a Polynesian chief's daughter who embarks on a voyage to save her island aided by the demigod Maui. The film integrates elements from Polynesia, Samoa, Tonga, and Hawaii and features music by Lin-Manuel Miranda and collaborators.

Plot

Moana, the teenage daughter of Chief Tui of the fictional island Motunui, is chosen by the ocean to restore the heart of the goddess Te Fiti stolen by the demigod Maui. When crops fail and fish disappear, Moana defies her father and sails beyond the reef, seeking Maui to return Te Fiti's heart. Along the voyage she confronts the lava demon Te Kā, learns navigation techniques linked to Polynesian navigation, and discovers Maui's stolen fishhook, leading to conflicts that reveal Maui's backstory involving the canoe gods and his rivalry with other legendary figures. The climax involves Moana restoring the heart and reconciling the islanders' voyaging tradition with their settled life.

Cast and Characters

The film stars Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana, a strong-willed wayfinder and daughter of Chief Tui; Dwayne Johnson voices Maui, a shapeshifting demigod inspired by Pacific Islander myth. Supporting roles include Rachel House as Gramma Tala, a cultural mentor; Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui; Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa the giant coconut crab; Nicole Scherzinger as Sina; and Alan Tudyk as the comedic rooster Heihei. The ensemble also features voices by Louise Bush, Mahershala Ali (cameo as a wayfinder in some materials), and others; character designs and performances draw on collaborations with consultants from Polynesian Voyaging Society and cultural practitioners from Samoa, Fiji, and Tahiti.

Production

Development began after creative leads Ron Clements and John Musker sought to move beyond prior works like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, researching Pacific myths and voyaging lore. The project involved story work by Chris Williams and screenplay revisions by Jared Bush, with production overseen by producer Osnat Shurer. Walt Disney Animation Studios assembled a research team that consulted with the Polynesian Voyaging Society, navigator Nainoa Thompson, and cultural experts from Hawaiʻi and Samoa to inform authenticity. Animation combined proprietary rendering pipelines from Disney with motion-capture techniques refined during productions such as Frozen (2013 film), while visual effects teams studied Pacific water behavior, coral reef ecology, and traditional canoe construction. The character Maui's design and the film's depiction of deities prompted discussions with community leaders and publishers like National Geographic who had documented Polynesian culture.

Music and Soundtrack

Music was composed by Mark Mancina with original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and traditional elements by Opetaia Foaʻi. The soundtrack blends contemporary musical theater influences reminiscent of Hamilton (musical) with Polynesian choral textures and instrumentation from ukulele traditions and percussion used in Samoa and Tonga. Songs such as "How Far I'll Go" and "You're Welcome" were promoted through live performances on programs like Good Morning America and award showcases including the Golden Globe Awards. The soundtrack achieved commercial success on charts monitored by organizations such as Billboard and received nominations from bodies like the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards.

Release and Marketing

Walt Disney Pictures premiered the film in Los Angeles before a wide release in the United States on November 23, 2016, timed for the Thanksgiving box office window traditionally favorable for family films like Toy Story 3 and Frozen (2013 film). Marketing campaigns included trailers attached to releases such as Captain America: Civil War, cross-promotions with ABC (American Broadcasting Company), merchandising through Disney Consumer Products, and themed exhibits at attractions operated by Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort. The release strategy targeted global markets across Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific islands, highlighting collaborations with local cultural institutions and educational outreach with organizations like the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

Reception and Legacy

The film grossed approximately $644 million worldwide and received acclaim for its animation, music, and representation of Pacific cultures, earning praise from critics at publications like The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Variety. Awards recognition included nominations from the Academy Awards for Best Original Song and placement on year-end lists by outlets such as The Guardian and The Hollywood Reporter. The film influenced discussions in academic journals focusing on indigenous representation and informed subsequent media projects, cultural exhibitions at institutions like the Smithsonian Institution, and educational programming promoting traditional navigation. It also spurred debates about cultural appropriation and collaboration, prompting Disney to expand its advisory practices and partner with organizations including the Polynesian Voyaging Society and regional cultural ministries.

Category:2016 films Category:Walt Disney Animation Studios films Category:Animated musical films