Disney Sails Into Theaters With Animated ‘Moana’ in 2016



After hitting the ice with “Frozen,” Walt Disney Animation Studios is taking to the high seas with “Moana,” an animated comedy adventure that will sail into theaters in late 2016.

The film, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess and the Frog”), revolves around a spirited teenager on an impossible mission to fulfill her ancestors’ quest. Disney introduced concept art for the film on Monday.

“John and I have partnered on so many films—from ‘The Little Mermaid’ to ‘Aladdin’ to ‘The Princess and the Frog,’” said Clements. “Creating ‘Moana’ is one of the great thrills of our career. It’s a big adventure set in this beautiful world of Oceania.”

In the ancient South Pacific world of Oceania, Moana sets sail in search of a fabled island, and teams with her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui, she encounters enormous sea creatures, underworlds and ancient folklore.

“Moana is indomitable, passionate and a dreamer with a unique connection to the ocean itself,” Musker said. “She’s the kind of character we all root for, and we can’t wait to introduce her to audiences.”

The film becomes the latest island themed project for Disney.

Next summer, Pixar Animation Studios’ “Lava,” directed by James Ford Murphy, will feature a Hawaiian volcano named Uku who sings a version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and is looking for love. Singer Kuana Torres Kahele provides the volcano’s voice, whose look was inspired in part by Jackie Gleeson, Murphy has said. The short will be attached to Pixar’s “Inside Out,” on June 19.

“Moana” will be the first full-length toon from Disney to be set in the South Seas since “Lilo & Stitch,” in 2002.

As part of its parks and resorts biz, Disney operates the Aulani Resort & Spa on Oahu.

http://variety.com/2014/film/news/disne ... 201334550/

Terrible name for a kids movie.

Named will be changed to a nautical adjective. Aquatic maybe? Amphibious? Thesaurus has a bunch of good ones.

Sounds like a huge hit, and easy to adapt into a Disney World ride.

Sounds ambitious, exciting, and a lot of fun.

And that's just the name.

Yeah, name sounds a bit shitty

but what worries me is how Dory and this are about sea worlds??

Oh wow. Awesome. It kinda sounds like The Little Mermaid meets Treasure Planet, which makes sense given Clements and Musker are directing again!!!




And it's set in beautiful Polynesia, so it's going to look incredible.

This would have been a dream project if Alan Menken was composing this.

Hand-drawn or CG? Hope its hand-drawn.

Could be something special. The idea and concept art give me hope. HOWEVER some of the directors' most recent efforts have left me uninspired (Princess and Frog, Treasure Planet).

hmmm... I agree about needing to change the name.... but I also initially thought Maleficent would max out at $100m because what's with that fucking name for the movie? Some alternative titles for Moana: Wet or Salty. Ew.

Moana means ocean in the Hawaiian language.

Moana is such a thankful name for porn parodies.

CG

Love all of Clements and Muskers' work, can't wait for this.

Agreed. It should be called Oceania.

it sounds even shittier

Finally disney is taking risk again and it's not calling it "Frozen" or "Tangled"

Why do you think so? I think it sounds grandiose and full of adventure.

Maybe 'cause Finding Dory, which will also take place in the ocean, happens to be located in oceania???............... lol...........just guessing

Dwayne Johnson confirmed as male lead! Can't wait to hear him sing!

Lin Manuel Miranda is behind the broadway musicals In the Heights and Hamilton, which I have never seen, but both received acclaim, so I have faith. Opetaia Foa’i is the lead singer of the band Te Vaka, so he should do decently. But Mark Mancina has never written songs before, and his scores are for such great films as Planes, Planes: Fire and Rescue and Tarzan II.

Hamilton is FUCKING AMAZING. I cannot express how good it is. My anticipation for this just went up a ton.

Yes, and for little known bad films like Bad Boys, Speed, Training Day, Assassins, Twister, Con Air or arranging in atrocious ones like The Lion King.

None of those films are known for their music.

Neither are the Toy Stories, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Brave, Big Hero 6 and others.

What is your point?

Is Moana a musical or just a comedy adventure with a couple of songs throw in?

Moana is a full blown musical as is Gigantic.

Moana

Pua

Hei Hei

Maui

Meh. Not really liking anything about this.