Really 2 opens in theaters this week just in time to honor the tradition of Thanksgiving movie to go. The sequel follows Disney+’s most-watched movie and new adventure Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson).
The first movie showed Moana as the next to lead the people of Motunui, who in the western media is interpreted as a princess; over time, his adventures continue as he learns to be a leader. And yes, it is very reminiscent of royal education, if by royal we mean the next leader and pathfinder in design. Yes, Moana is officially portrayed as a member of the Disney Princess cast for this reason but of course she is responsible for interpretation.
Moana voice actress Auli’i Cravalho spoke with Entertainment Weekly about the story of the Disney Princess as it relates to her culture. “Movies always represent their time. Today, we want to see a girl be the hero of her story. So, yeah, she’s a girl, but she’s also a hero. I like that these two words are now interchangeable.”
It makes sense that Disney Princesses are cool’Royal Queens (Anna and Elsa do not count as queens) are different groups of Disney heroines, a group that is, let’s be real, mainly about selling toys under different flags.
Fortunately, Moana’s character will always be relevant to her unique story; according to Cravalho, “You probably won’t see Moana in a ball gown. And that’s okay.”
Really 2 they say the same “prince or not?” question more seriously, Moana says she is not a girl and Maui points out the many people who think she is. And so she will continue to be the Disney Princess Moana of Motunui, great at waiting and finding ways.
Really 2 opens in theaters this week and Moana now streaming on Disney+.
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