Auli’i Cravalho Clarifies If Moana is Considered a Disney Princess: ‘You Probably Won’t See Moana in a Ballgown’

Is Moana a Disney Princess? A Closer Look

Since the release of the original Moana film in 2016, fans have debated whether the adventurous heroine qualifies as a princess. The film cleverly addressed this topic during a light-hearted exchange between Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) and her demigod companion, Maui (Dwayne Johnson). In this scene, Moana asserts that she is the daughter of a chief, not a princess. Maui humorously counters, “If you wear a dress and have an animal sidekick, then you’re a princess.” Given that Moana does wear an iconic dress and has two adorable animal companions, the question certainly warrants further exploration.

The Princess Identity Debate Continues in Moana 2

As anticipation builds for the upcoming sequel, Moana 2, the dialogue continues to echo the original. In a similar moment, Moana again declares her non-princess status, to which Maui responds, “Well, a lot of people think that you are.” Compounding this notion is the fact that Moana frequently appears alongside classic Disney princesses like Aurora, Ariel, and Elsa in merchandising efforts, reinforcing the mixed perception of her royal standing.

Understanding Moana’s Status Within Disney

To assess whether Moana fits Disney’s formal definition of a princess, it’s important to consider the typical pathways to royalty depicted in Disney films. Many well-known princesses are either born into royal families, such as Elsa and Anna, or they marry a prince, like Tiana and Belle. This makes Moana’s unique position particularly interesting, prompting further insight from Auli’i Cravalho herself.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly ahead of Moana 2‘s theatrical release, Cravalho emphasized the evolution of representation in film. She stated, “Films are always representative of their times. For today’s day and age, we want to see a young woman being the hero of her own story. So, yeah, she is a princess, but she’s also a hero. I like that those two words are now interchangeable.”

Moana’s Unique Style and Upcoming Box Office Expectations

Cravalho further noted, “You probably won’t see Moana in a ballgown. And that’s fine.” This reflects Moana’s distinct character and cultural background, setting her apart from traditional Disney princess aesthetics. Moreover, Moana 2 is anticipated to make over $135 million during the Thanksgiving weekend upon its release, potentially surpassing the impressive $125 million that Frozen II earned during the same period. However, fans should not expect any rivalry between Moana and Elsa, as all Disney princesses are portrayed as supportive friends.