Beaches, an animal sidekick rooster, a pig, a demigod Maui played by Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson, coconut pirates, and some of the most interesting, modern-sounding music to come from a Disney movie, Moana is one of our favorites.
Moana, voiced by Auli’iCravalho, is a role model; as the daughter of a chief, this Disney animated character resolves to save her people. Motivated by a love of her home, Moana sets sail.
So, just how old was Moana when she ventured from Motunui to encounter Maui (Dwayne Johnson)? In this article, we’ll give you a simple answer and some interesting bonus facts.
*FYI, the other 11 official Disney princesses are Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, and Merida.
Moana’s Age and More!
You’re welcome!
What can I say?
She is the most recent addition to the Walt Disney Animation Studios pantheon of Disney princesses*, making her number 12. While there are thousands of Disney characters, the princesses are a special class. In addition to the 12th princess, Moana is also the second Disney movie main character of Polynesian descent; Lilo was the first. (From Lilo and Stitch, obviously.)
How Old Is Moana?
She is strong, independent, courageous, but there’s one thing the movie doesn’t teach us about Moana, age; it’s no surprise that she’s approaching her late teens. Moana is 16 years old. This fact is revealed in the children’s novel version of the movie by Suzanne Francis; it’s worth a read if you have younger kids that want a new way to experience the Disney animated film.
Fun fact: AuliiCravalho, Moana’s voice actor, is the only actor to be younger than the princess they were playing. Cravalho turned 16 the same day as the movie came out; what a birthday celebration that must have been. The actor would have been 14-15 years old while recording.
Was Maui Going To Be the Star of Moana?
Would you say he wears a dress with those fronds around his waist? Should Maui be an official Disney Princess too? Let’s add HeiHei while we’re at it, too!
It’s impossible to talk about Moana without bringing up Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson’s performance as demigod Maui. He didn’t exactly steal the show, but it’s safe to call him an unexpected breakout star character. He has that humorous brand of over-confidence with enough of a kind heart to let it slide.
His vast appeal makes sense when you learn that he was initially planned to be the focus of the plot.
Even after a few years, we still sing “You’re Welcome” in our heads from time to time.