Over the years, we’ve (thankfully) seen an improvement in the diversity and strength of female characters in Disney films. Movies like The Princess and the Frog and Frozen are prime examples, proving that Disney can modify traditional ideas and still produce successful movies. Although Disney seems to moving in the right direction for future movies, many people have voiced their discontent with the company’s upcoming movie, Moana.
In the film, Disney fans are introduced to a new princess named Moana. Based on what we know about the character, she’s a South Pacific princess who goes on an adventure to discover a mythical island beyond her village. Along the way, Moana meets a demi-god named Maui (voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson). For most people, the depiction of Maui is where the dissatisfaction stems from.
In the trailer for the movie, Maui is described as “the greatest demi-god in all the Pacific islands.” Aided by his magic hook, he has skills that seem to rival The Rock himself. However, many are in agreement that the portrayal of this demi-god character is offensive, stereotypical and inaccurate. They believe that Maui should be depicted as a beautiful and fit warrior, rather than the seemingly obese figure seen in the trailer.
@guardian @EleanorAingeRoy omg that’s terrible. Polynesians were fit warriors. I don’t blame anyone for being angry.
— Nozrati (@Nozrati) June 27, 2016
@guardian Maui was always described in the legends as ‘beautiful’ attractive & a warrior. This *is* offensive ugly stereotyping.
— Joolz Denby (@JoolzDenby) June 27, 2016
While most find the depiction far from accurate, there are also others who argue that the character’s appearance isn’t offensive at all. Disney has yet to respond to the backlash, but we’re quite curious to see how the company will defend their portrayal of Maui.