Moana is the latest in a long line of recently announced animated Disney films that are about to go into production! 

This mythical adventure story takes place around 2000 years ago in the islands of the South Pacific.

The heroine of the film is a Polynesian princess named Moana Waialiki. She is the only daughter of the chief, and part of a long line of sea navigators. Described as a sea-voyaging nerd, Moana sets off on an epic journey when her family needs her help.

Along the way, Moana encounters demigods and spirits drawn from the region’s mythology as she battles the elements!

By the way, “Moana” is a Polynesian word for “ocean”!

Initially, it was rumored that Moana would be created in in the hand-drawn and computer-animated hybrid technique seen in the Disney short film Paperman. However, this untested technique has not yet been perfected, acceding to Moana co-director John Musker.

Instead, the film will utilize a new form of computer graphics that resembles painting.

The new animated movie will be directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, who co-directed Hercules, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and The Princess and the Frog.

Moana will also feature the musical talents of Mark Macini who did many of the songs in The Lion King.

Although this film isn’t set to be released until 2018, we are super excited to hear more about this upcoming heroine!

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