Auli’i Cravalho, the voice behind Disney’s iconic character Moana, has addressed the ongoing debate about whether her character should be classified as a princess. In a recent interview, Cravalho offered her perspective, emphasizing that Moana embodies more than just the traditional princess role.
Moana, the adventurous daughter of a chief and a skilled wayfinder, challenges the typical portrayal of a princess by being the hero of her own story. “Films are always representative of their times,” Cravalho explained. “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 refusal to fit neatly into the classic princess mold is part of what makes her such a powerful character. Cravalho humorously added, “You probably won’t see Moana in a ballgown. And that’s fine,” underscoring the character’s individuality and departure from traditional Disney princess standards.
Moana’s Hero’s Journey Without Romance
One of the standout features of Moana’s journey is that it does not revolve around finding a love interest. Cravalho praised this aspect of the film, saying, “I feel it’s really important to have characters go on their own hero’s journey of finding themselves, not necessarily finding a love interest or the love of their lives.”
By focusing on Moana’s personal growth and determination, the film allows her to shine as an independent character. “She is so interesting on her own. She doesn’t need anybody else!” Cravalho emphasized, highlighting the importance of portraying strong female characters who can stand on their own without relying on a romantic subplot.
Moana’s Appeal as a Dynamic Hero
Jared Bush, co-writer of the upcoming Moana 2, also shared his thoughts on what makes Moana such a beloved character. He explained that Moana’s strength as a hero comes from her bravery and empathy. “She’s this unbelievable, dynamic hero who’s brave and will never stop taking on the world. And then she’s deeply empathetic. She cares about everyone—her family, her community. There’s something aspirational about her as a character that people gravitate toward,” Bush said.
Moana’s combination of courage, empathy, and self-reliance has made her a standout figure in Disney’s lineup of heroines. Cravalho’s portrayal of the character continues to inspire audiences, proving that a modern princess can be both a hero and a symbol of empowerment.
