10 Examples Of How Progressive Disney Has Become
2. Moana
It’s impossible to separate the various factors that make Moana such a progressive Princess, so... just Moana.
As mentioned in the Ariel entry, she’s one of only a few Princesses of colour, and actually celebrates her culture and heritage on screen. Tiana, as previously mentioned, spends most of her film as a frog so doesn’t exactly go all out as far as POC representation goes.
Tiana’s goal of opening a restaurant is admirable, but difficult for younger kids to really appreciate too. Moana though goes on a hero’s quest, and while she gets help from friendly demigod Maui, she has full agency throughout.
It’s great that the live action Belle and Jasmine were rewritten with more of a feminist tilt, but Moana delivers that angle at the first time of asking. Where those two stumble slightly, Moana is sure footed.
Rapunzel, Elsa, Anna and now Moana represent that Disney is moving in a different direction with its Princess stories now - one which gives the girls minds and goals of their own. With Ralph Breaks The Internet raising the possibility of a Princess spin off, the more diverse characters present, the better.