Disney fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Moana 2, the sequel to the beloved 2016 animated film. A question on many minds is: How old will Moana be in this new adventure? Let’s dive into what we know about Moana’s age and how she’s grown along with her voice actress, Auli’i Cravalho.
In the original Moana, released in 2016, Moana was depicted as a vibrant and courageous 16-year-old. This age is crucial as it marks her coming-of-age journey, taking on responsibilities for her people and venturing beyond the reef. Interestingly, Auli’i Cravalho, the talented actress who voiced Moana, was around 14 years old when she was cast and 15 when she recorded her lines for the first movie. This close age proximity allowed Cravalho to authentically portray the youthful energy and spirit of Moana.
Now, nearly a decade later, Moana 2 is set to hit theaters on November 27th. Auli’i Cravalho, reflecting on her return to the character, shared with PEOPLE, “This character is who started my whole career as a young performer.” Cravalho herself is now 24 years old, marking a significant personal growth since the first film. This real-life passage of time naturally influences the portrayal of Moana in the sequel.
While Disney has not explicitly stated Moana’s exact age in Moana 2, we can infer an age progression. Given the near decade gap between the movies and the themes of connecting to the future in Moana 2, it’s reasonable to assume Moana is no longer the teenager we met in the first film. A logical estimation would place Moana in her early to mid-twenties in Moana 2. This time jump allows for a more mature Moana, facing new challenges and exploring deeper aspects of her identity and leadership.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(731×317:733×319)/Aulii-Cravalho-moana-071524-a94509a5927a421a985abe5493b991f8.jpg)
Auli’i Cravalho pictured in 2023, alongside a promotional image for ‘Moana 2’, highlighting her growth alongside the character.
Cravalho herself notes the unique opportunity to see Moana age, stating, “The new movie marks one of the only times in Disney history that a Disney princess has been allowed to age.” This acknowledgment from Cravalho suggests that the age difference is not just coincidental but a deliberate narrative choice. Her voice, naturally matured over time, will reflect this evolution in Moana’s character. The songs in Moana 2 will also showcase a “different side” of Cravalho’s vocal capabilities, further emphasizing Moana’s growth.
The decision to age Moana is a refreshing step for Disney. Traditionally, animated characters, especially princesses, remain ageless across sequels. Allowing Moana to grow older adds a layer of realism and relatability. It mirrors the audience’s own growth and allows for richer storytelling, exploring themes of maturity, future leadership, and evolving responsibilities.
In conclusion, while the precise age of Moana in Moana 2 is yet to be officially confirmed, it’s highly likely she will be in her early to mid-twenties, a significant step up from her teenage years in the original movie. This age progression, mirroring Auli’i Cravalho’s own journey, promises a more mature and nuanced Moana, ready to embark on even grander adventures beyond the reef and connect with the future. Fans can anticipate seeing a beloved character evolve in exciting new ways when Moana 2 arrives.
