15 Questions I’m Absolutely Dying to Ask the Makers of Moana
The movie I’ve been stalking for years is finally just around the corner. I first told you about Moana more than a year and a half ago back when Disney had a 2017 release date planned. Now new movie trailers are beginning to fill our Facebook news feeds and commercial breaks.
From the first piece of concept art my daughter and I have been so excited about this film. I’m excited to see another princess of color and Lil’ J is so tickled that she looks a lot like her. In case you missed it, here are 10 more reasons I’m excited for Moana.
Disney movies are my thing. But the animated movies are my must-owns–The ones I collect (I have 124 and Zooptoia is pre-ordered), and of those, the musicals are my absolute favorites.
After Tangled and before Frozen (back then slated to be called Snow Queen) there was some talk about Disney being done with the Princess and fairy tale era. “Films and genres do run a course,” said Pixar Animation Studios chief Ed Catmull, who along with director John Lasseter oversees Disney Animation. “They may come back later because someone has a fresh take on it … but we don’t have any other musicals or fairy tales lined up.”
Boy am I glad they changed their minds about that.
Since Frozen we’ve had Big Hero 6 and Zootopia, both had a catchy soundtracks but neither were musicals. Finally, FINALLY we’re getting another. So will this Polynesian Princess get as big of a hit as Let it Go? That’s just one of my questions for the makers of Moana.
Will there be a song as epic as Let it Go or Part of Your World?
I think we’ve finally let go of that popular frozen song, but I’m ready for a new one with some Island flavor. Bring it Disney, I’m here for it.
She won’t turn into an animal right?
I know Maui has some shape-shifting powers but you’re not gonna surprise us with that and Moana too right? Disney, I’m not gonna lie, I’m still a little upset about the flip you switched with Tiana. You had me up in that theater expecting to see a black princess going through some troubles with a frog. I had no idea she’d be a frog for ⅔ of the movie. I was ticked. Still, the movie was cute, the music was bomb, and after the initial shock of that bait and switch the movie has become a favorite of ours. I’m still holding out for a sequel with some redemption there though.
Can we ditch the need for a love interest?
I’m not sure if Maui will turn into a love story, from the previews she doesn’t seem interested and I’m cool with that. Chicks don’t need… Boys. Just look at Elsa (and Merida)!
Are you giving all of the funny parts away in the previews?
I know you aren’t Pixar, but dude, talk to your buddies over there because Inside Out… ALL of the funniest parts were given away during the trailers and extended trailers. Part of me can’t get enough of every little bit of info about this film, but part of me wants to start shielding my eyes from these previews now because I want to go in as surprised as possible. That said… I’m dropping this brand new trailer in here for you in case you haven’t seen it.
Are we going to see and hear more of the culture?
This is such an amazing opportunity to bring the rich Polynesian culture to a world unaware. I really hope we get to experience some of the sights and sounds of that in this movie. Everything I’ve heard tells me Disney has done a great job with research and I’m excited to watch that play out.
Can we please not have a surprise villain?
I know it’s a little late to make storyline requests but this is a biggie. So many of Disney Animation’s movies as of late have a plot twist villain: Big Hero 6, Frozen, Zootopia. It would be nice to have a real bad guy like Scar, Ursula, and Jafar (bonus points if he’s male).
Will we finally get a more full-figured princess?
Just asking cause… Wait wait wait… Update since I started drafting this post. This just in… DisneyStore.com has Moana dolls and CHECK OUT THOSE ARMS AND CALFS!
Please hold…
Ok, ordered. Because yes, that is bomb.
Can her parents please survive ’til the end of the movie?
Again, I know it’s a little late to change if you’ve killed one or both of them off, but a girl can dream. From Bambi’s mom, to Simba’s dad down to Elsa and Anna becoming orphans and Hiro’s big brother blowing up for nothing–I. Can’t. Take it.
Actually, let’s be honest I’m all but expecting it now. I’ll be pleasantly surprised if Disney tries something new there.
What restaurants, rides and meet and greets can we expect at Disney World?
Ok, I know I’m getting WAY ahead of myself, but you know the powers that be are already planning this stuff. And my daughter already has her Moana costume coming in the mail and can’t wait to pose with her twin and likely soon-to-be-idol. I know she’s going to be at Aulani in Hawaii but it’s going to take a lot of chores for my daughter to pay her fair share for that flight.
Of course if I was actually sitting in a room with John Musker and Ron Clements after seeing the movie I’d have much better questions for them like “What was it like directing your SEVENTH Disney film together (quiz me, I know them all)? Aren’t you tired of each other yet? How did you plan to make this one better?” Or “What message do you hope families take away after watching this film?”
And I’d love to ask 15-year-old Aulii Cravalho who plays the role of Moana, why she was too intimidated to initially audition for the part, what she takes away from that experience now and what she thinks other kids can learn from that.
So my countdown on my phone has gone from over 365 days down to just 63 and I feel like the rest of the world is finally getting excited with me. I just ordered this Moana shirt to help hold me over and spread the word in the mean time. November 23rd can’t come fast enough!
Do you plan to take your family to see this movie?
I love this! I think I will be gifting my 21 year old this for xmas. Finally we are getting closer to our kids seeing more of themselves in this Disney World.
I love that fact too! And I hope it continues!
This looks like it is going to be a really cute movie. I plan on taking my little niece and nephew to see it.
Awesome! I hope they love it!
I totally agree with you! Every single Disney movie that comes to mind both parents never survive the first 5 minutes of the movie and they die in the most horrific way. (Bambi anyone?) So I would love it if they actually get to see their daughter grow up!
Just once. Please?!?
Haha, Lion King was the worst to me! Talk about gut-wrenching. The Good Dinosaur (though Pixar) was also real sad. Maybe just this once both parents will make it til the end. haha
Jayda looks just like Moana. I bet she’d look more like her with that costume on? And lastly,what are your favorite Disney movies?
I’m not gonna lie, I can’t wait to get that costume on her. Right now she’s planning to be Judy Hopps for Halloween but she may need to be Moana to some parties.
Oh my favorite Disney movies… I need to do another post on this! haha. But in no particular order (aside from the first) my favorites are: The Lion King, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Princess and the Frog, Hercules, and The Little Mermaid. My favorite Pixars are Brave and Toy Story. What about yours Tiff?
I look forward to seeing this movie. I don’t have a little one any longer, but I still head to movies that are for kids. I think they are the best. I am glad to see Disney expand the roles of the young girls they portray. Also, I was recently in Hawaii and loved it and would enjoy seeing the characters in this movie.
I feel like these kids/family movies are the ONLY movies I see these days. Haha.
Ooh, I can’t wait to see this movie. I love all your questions – and would love to hear the answers!
These are great questions that I would want the answer too as well! Especially, the love interest and parent thing for sure!
Yes! I cannot wait for this movie and am already loving what I’ve seen so far. I have a feeling that this movie is going to be great (at least deep down I’m hoping it is). I’m hoping any sad parts are minimal like in Frozen. I’m still choke up when I watch Princess and the Frog and think of Ray. Now I need to grab a tissue LOL!
Oh yes! We are ready for MOANA too. I love when Disney releases a new kids movie. I think I get more excited than the kids do and YES…I too am ready for a new Disney anthem to sing!