Call it "The Frozen Effect." After the astronomical success of Disney's world-beating animated feature Frozen, the studio will produce another heroine-centric movie set for late 2016.
Moana will be a "sweeping, CG-animated comedy-adventure,” that will focus on the eponymous teenage girl who "sets sail in search of a fabled island," according to an official statement from the Mouse House.
That it sounds somewhat similar to Frozen is hardly a coincidence. Disney's modern fairy tale wasn't just a success when it hit theaters last holiday season. It was a full-blown phenomenon, winning two Oscars on its way to becoming the fifth-highest-grossing film of all time.
It's no wonder that Disney is once again banking on audience hunger for strong female characters. "Moana is indomitable, passionate and a dreamer with a unique connection to the ocean itself,” said John Musker, who will be co-directing with Ron Clements. (The duo previously helmed Disney classics The Little Mermaid and Aladdin).“She’s the kind of character we all root for, and we can’t wait to introduce her to audiences,” they added.
And, we can't wait to meet her. (Variety)