The character of Moana has taken center stage in two feature films, each contributing to her story while notably lacking a traditional element common to Disney princess narratives: a love interest. As one of the latest additions to the esteemed Disney Princess franchise—an iconic lineup that includes characters dating back to Disney’s very first animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs—Moana stands out for this distinct characteristic.
The franchise was initiated in 2016 with the original Moana film, laying the groundwork for future expansions amid Disney’s renewed emphasis on sequels. The anticipation for Moana 2, which debuted in 2024, demonstrated that sequels can resonate with audiences, despite its somewhat mixed critical reviews. Nonetheless, it emerged as a formidable box office success. With a live-action adaptation of Moana upcoming, fans can expect further adventures as teased in the sequel’s post-credits scene, albeit with the absence of any romantic subplot for the beloved character.
Moana 2 Skips the Love Interest
Despite the Introduction of New Characters
Remarkably, even after two movies, Moana remains without a love interest. This absence might seem surprising given the character’s journey. In the original film, her travels primarily involved interactions with Maui and Hei-Hei, minimizing chances for romantic entanglements. Moana’s fresh approach to storytelling was a breath of fresh air in contrast to earlier Disney hits such as Tangled and Frozen, which heavily centered on romantic narratives. Given the expanded cast expected in Moana 2, many anticipated the introduction of a love interest, yet she remains solo.
Initial promotional material for Moana 2 hinted that Moana would form a wayfinding team, leading to speculation about a potential romantic subplot. However, when the film was released, it became clear that Moana maintained her autonomy, continuing to prioritize her growth and the responsibilities she holds in her community over romantic relationships.
A Pattern Among Disney Princesses
A Tradition Since Snow White
With 13 official members in the Disney Princess lineup, a notable recurring theme is the presence of love interests. Even in early classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Sleeping Beauty, romance, while not always central to the plot, is frequently intertwined with the narrative. Other titles, such as Cinderella and The Little Mermaid, hinge directly on romantic developments, showcasing how integral these relationships have been to defining princess characters.
The trends shifted during the Disney Renaissance, as characters became more complex; yet, most still included some form of romantic interest. Although films like Pocahontas and Mulan featured strong story arcs whereby romance was secondary to grander themes, the connection to a romantic partner persisted. Notably, Tiana in The Princess and the Frog initially resented her love interest, and Rapunzel‘s relationship with Flynn Rider evolved throughout their external challenges.
Moana’s Unique Position in Modern Disney
Following Brave and Raya and the Last Dragon
Moana’s lack of a romantic involvement aligns with a broader trend among contemporary Disney heroines. Following Rapunzel, Disney introduced Merida in Brave, who also navigated her story without a love interest. Similarly, Raya in Raya and the Last Dragon remains solo. Notably, although characters like Anna and Elsa from Frozen are not classified as official Disney Princesses, their tales also illustrate an evolving approach where romantic love is sidelined.
Moreover, recent films that feature female leads outside the official Disney Princess realm, such as Encanto and Wish, have opted to forgo traditional romantic arcs, further establishing the trend that personalized journeys no longer prioritize romantic connections. Thus, Moana’s character continues to reflect this modern perspective, aligning perfectly with her contemporaries.
Exploring Love Beyond Romance in Moana
A Love for Family and Heritage
Although the Moana films don’t incorporate a romantic subplot, they undeniably emphasize love in a variety of forms. The narrative intricately weaves Moana’s devotion to her family, particularly her commitment to their well-being, which serves as the driving force in her actions throughout the films. Additionally, her bond with her grandmother plays a significant role, underscoring the importance of familial relationships. Moana’s profound appreciation for her culture is also highly emphasized, especially in the sequel, where cultural elements are celebrated.
This pivot away from romantic love offers audiences a fresh perspective. It reflects an evolving narrative within Disney that allows for differing expressions of love, and while it is uncertain whether the upcoming Moana 3 will introduce a romantic subplot, the absence of such in the first two films does not detract from Moana’s compelling journey.