"Moana"

Late to the party with this, but anyway ...

[Walt Disney Animation Studios] has added another feature to its pipeline. The Mouse House revealed plans Monday for “Moana,” a CG-animated comedy-adventure about “a spirited teenager on an impossible mission to fulfill her ancestors' quest.”

”Moana” is directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, best known for Disney staples like “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin.” The directing duo’s last feature was 2009’s severely under-appreciated ”The Princess and the Frog.” (Parents, are we showing this one to our kids? Get on that!). “Moana” is expected to sail into theaters in late 2016. ...

I've put posts up about Moana before ... and usually gotten terse e-mails from Diz Co. that said (something like):

Hey now. We haven't announced that title yet. Take the title down already. ...

And, wanting to be a good corporate citizen, I did.

Over the last few years I've observed test animation, test visual effects, even the occasional design. And always, like a thought balloon hovering just overhead, was the admonition: Keep you trap shut. It hasn't been announced yet.

But let me tell you, when the title and general knowledge of the feature is out circulating on the internet, it becomes hard to keep the Mouse's admonition in mind. And sometimes I slipped. But now that burden has gone away because of this:

Press Release

Walt Disney Animation Studios revealed plans today for “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated comedy-adventure about a spirited teenager on an impossible mission to fulfill her ancestors' quest. In theaters in late 2016, the film is directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker ("The Little Mermaid," "The Princess and the Frog," "Aladdin”).

“John and I have partnered on so many films—from ‘The Little Mermaid’ to ‘Aladdin’ to ‘The Princess and the Frog,’” said Clements. “Creating ‘Moana’ is one of the great thrills of our career. It’s a big adventure set in this beautiful world of Oceania."

In the ancient South Pacific world of Oceania, Moana, a born navigator, sets sail in search of a fabled island. During her incredible journey, she teams up with her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui, to traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and ancient folklore.

“Moana is indomitable, passionate and a dreamer with a unique connection to the ocean itself,” Musker said. “She's the kind of character we all root for, and we can't wait to introduce her to audiences.” ...

I'm glad the word is finally out. I'll finally be able to sleep at night.