Here’s what Auli’i Cravlho thinks about Moana being a Disney princess

On By Littum

Moana 2 opens in theaters this week just in time for the time-honored tradition of Thanksgiving movies. The sequel follows up the most streamed movie on Disney+ with a new adventure starring Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson).

The first film introduced Moana as the next in line to lead the people of Motunui, which has been interpreted in Western media as her being some sort of princess; in the sequel, her adventure continues as she learns to be a leader. And yes, it is very similar to a royal in training, if by royal we mean the next chieftain and pathfinder in the making. Yes, Moana is officially featured as a canon member of the Disney Princess line-up for that reason, but her status is really up for interpretation.

Moana voice actress Auli’i Cravalho spoke Weekly entertainment on the Disney Princess discourse as it relates to her character. “Movies are always representative of their time. Because in this day and age, we want to see a young woman be the hero of her own story. So yes, she’s a princess, but she’s also a hero. I like that they two words now interchangeable.”

It makes a little more sense that Disney princesses and Frozen’s Royal Queens (Anna and Elsa don’t count as princesses) are separate Disney heroine categories, a classification that, let’s be real, is mostly about selling toys under different banners.

Fortunately, Moana’s appearance will always remain thematically appropriate to her unique story; according to Cravalho, “You probably won’t see Moana in a ball gown. And that’s fine.”

Moana 2 addresses the same “princess or not?” question in a very meta way, with Moana claiming she’s not a princess and Maui pointing out that many people think she is. And then she will continue to be the Disney Princess Moana of Motunui, Chief of Waiting and Pathfinder.

Moana 2 opens in theaters this week and Moana now streaming on Disney+.

Want more io9 news? See when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.