It's been nearly a year since we were first introduced to Moana, Disney's first ever Polynesian princess, and now we've been treated to the first teaser trailer for her forthcoming animated film.
The short clip sees Moana, who is voiced by Auli'i Cravalho, team up with demi-god Maui (voiced by none other than Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson) in the search for a mythical island in the Pacific.
So, what have we learned about Moana from the 90 second trailer? She remains firmly unimpressed by Maui's posturing and showing-off (demonstrating some truly excellent side-eye in the process), and she is also joined by a very cute pet pig, named Pua (which means 'Flower' in Hawaiian, FYI).
The film, which is slated for release in November 2016, will also feature songs by Hamilton composter (and future Mary Poppins star) Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Watch the full teaser trailer below...
On 21st August 2015 we wrote...
Make way for Moana Waialiki, Disney's brand new Polynesian princess!
Unveiled at the D23 Expo at Disneyland, the CGI animated film Moana has been inspired by legends of the demigod, Maui, and will follow lead character Moana on an adventure through Oceania.
Directed by animators Ron Clements and John Musker – the famous duo who wrote and directed The Little Mermaid (1989) and Aladdin (1992), amongst others – the film is Disney's 56th animated feature; a canon which started with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937.
Moana will follow the teenage princess as she embarks on a dangerous expedition through the Pacific Ocean to discover a mythical island and complete her ancestor's quest. As is customary for a Disney princess, she will, of course, have a pair of loyal sidekicks – Pua, the pig and Hei Hei, the cockerel. During her adventures she encounters other creatures great and small – good and bad, naturally – not forgetting the demigod to whom story owes its origins, Maui.
Interestingly, Maui will be voiced by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, the WWE star who is, as the Daily Mail reports, a Polynesian aristocrat himself; his mother (Ata Fitisemanu Maivia) descended from Samoan Chiefs.
Set for release in the States in November 2016, expectations are high that Moana will be yet another smash hit for Disney. And we, for one, cannot wait.