The ocean is calling again, and this time it’s in live-action! To celebrate the release of Moana we take a look at 10 hidden gems from the film, as well as the two stars who bring Moana and Maui to life on screen.
- Moana is inspired by real Polynesian myths from across the Pacific Islands. One of the biggest influences is the legend of Maui, a magical demigod said to have pulled islands from the sea and helped humans discover fire, with stories from places like Hawaii, Samoa and Tahiti helping shape the movie’s world.
- In early versions of the story, Maui was actually going to be the main focus of the film! But as the story developed, the filmmakers realised the heart of the movie was Moana’s journey, so she became the hero while Maui took on the role of her reluctant (and hilarious) sidekick.
- Maui originally had no hair but the filmmakers were advised to give him hair, because it represents strength and spirit.
- The creators of Moana travelled to Pacific Islands and learned from local communities about traditions, language, sailing and daily life, helping make the film more authentic and respectful, especially in its connection to the ocean and land.
- Auli‘i Cravalho, who voices Moana, was the very last girl to audition after hundreds of others tried out.
- A real historical mystery helped inspire the story. Around 1,000 years ago, Polynesian people stopped long-distance ocean exploration, a period called the “Long Pause.” No one knows why. In Moana, the filmmakers explain it through a fictional idea: Maui stealing Te Fiti’s heart, making the ocean dangerous and people stop sailing.
- HeiHei wasn’t always meant to be super silly. In early versions, he was smarter and more “normal,” and Pua the pig was also going to join Moana on her adventure.
- In the live-action Moana, Maui and the human characters are played by real actors, while animal sidekicks like Heihei and Pua are created using a mix of CGI and realistic design.
- Pua the pig and chaotic rooster HeiHei were inspired by animals the filmmakers actually saw while travelling through the Pacific Islands during research. To make them feel more authentic, the team used real animal sounds in the movie.
- Moana is packed with hidden disney “easter eggs” – tinyreferences to other movies that are easy to miss. In scenes like Maui’s song you’re welcome, you can spot characters such as flounder from the little mermaid and nods to Wreck-it Ralph and Big Hero 6 in the background.
Catherine Laga’aia is Moana
FROM: Sydney, Australia (an Aussie!)
BIRTHDAY: December 17, 2006
AGE: 19 – she was 17 when she was cast as Moana
