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MOANA Shares New Character Images and Details

Walt Disney Animation Studios have been on quite a roll these past few years, churning out instant classics like Zootopia, Big Hero 6, Wreck-It-Ralph and Frozen. It makes us forget the not-so-long-ago days when only Pixar was the animation studio owned by Disney anyone expected great things out of. Today, the two studios stand toe to toe in quality. Now Walt Disney Animation Studios is releasing an official synopsis and character details for its newest film, Moana, which you can read down below:

“Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes Moana, a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of AuliÊ»i Cravalho) meets the mighty demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder.

Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity. Directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Princess & the Frog) and produced by Osnat Shurer (Lifted), Moana sails into U.S. theaters on Nov. 23, 2016.”

In addition to the official synopsis, Disney has released images and details for each of the main characters in the film.

Temura Morrison (Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones) voices Moana’s father, Chief Tui, the gregarious and well-respected leader of the people of Motunui Island. Chief Tui wants Moana to follow in his footsteps as leader of their people, but fears his daughter’s draw to the ocean and the world that lies beyond their reef.

Nicole Scherzinger (Cats) voices Moana’s mother, Sina, who always has her daughter’s back. Playful, sharp and strong-willed, Sina appreciates Moana’s longing to be on the water, but also wants to protect her daughter from the fabled dangers beyond the reef.

Jemaine Clement (Despicable Me) provides the voice of Tamatoa, a self-absorbed, 50-foot crab who lives in Lalotai, the realm of monsters. The conceited crustacean wants to be more than a “bottom feeder” and overcompensates for this perceived shortcoming by covering himself in all things shiny.

Rachel House (Whale Rider) lends her voice to Gramma Tala, Moana’s confidante and best friend, who shares her granddaughter’s special connection to the ocean. Although her son Tui, the chief of Motunui, is a no-nonsense leader, Gramma Tala most definitely dances to the beat of her own drum.

Alan Tudyk, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ lucky charm (Zootopia, Wreck-It Ralph, Big Hero 6), is behind the voice of Heihei. Heihei is one dumb rooster—the village idiot, in fact. When the clueless chicken accidentally stows away on Moana’s canoe, he lands a front-row seat for her epic journey. Other characters include the Kakamora, described as “an intense team of crazy, coconut-armored pirates who will stop at nothing to get what they want,” and Pua, Moana’s loyal pet pig with the energy and innocent brain of a puppy. You can see their images in our gallery below.

Are you excited about another potential Disney classic? Let us know your thoughts down below in the comments.

Images: Walt Disney Animation Studios

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