Walt Disney Studios will turn to the world of ancient Polynesian navigators for its next animated feature, "Moana," the studio announced Monday.
The story takes place in Oceania where Moana — "a spirited teenager on an impossible mission to fulfill her ancestors’ quest" — sets sail for a fabled island. During her journey, Moana teams up with the demigod Maui — her hero — and together they encounter "enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and ancient folklore," according to the studio.
Veteran filmmakers Ron Clements and John Musker, who created "The Little Mermaid," "The Princess and the Frog" and "Aladdin," will lead the project, which was described as a comedy-adventure made using computer-generated animation. "Moana" is expected to be in theaters in late 2016.
Both filmmakers are excited by the project, Clements said in a statement released by Disney.
"Creating ‘Moana’ is one of the great thrills of our career," he said. "It’s a big adventure set in this beautiful world of Oceania."
In the same statement, Musker described Moana as an indomitable, passionate dreamer. "She’s the kind of character we can all root for, and we can’t wait to introduce her to audiences," he said.
"Moana" will be the second high-profile animated film with a Pacific island theme set to hit movie screens in the next two years.
The Pixar short "Lava," which features an ukulele soundtrack and the singing of Hawaii’s Kuana Torres Kahele and Napua Greig, will be paired with the animated feature "Inside Out" in June. The main character is a volcano that longs for love.
The Polynesian Voyaging Society, the Hawaii-based organization that revived the ancient practice of celestial navigation, heard about the project several months ago but does not have any advisory relationship with Disney, said spokeswoman Marisa Hayase.
"The Polynesian discovery and settlement of islands across the Pacific Ocean is one of humanity’s remarkable achievements," she said. "It is a compelling story that continues today. Disney has an opportunity to show that voyaging is not just a part of our past — it is a part of our future."
The society is currently overseeing the worldwide voyage of the Hokule‘a and Hikianalia.
Disney previously visited the Pacific islands in the 2002 animated movie "Lilo & Stitch," which was set on Kauai and featured original songs written by Mark Keali‘i Ho‘omalu and film composer Alan Silvestri.
