Is Moana Disney’s First Trans Princess?

In December 2023, Disney generated headlines with the announcement that the beloved animated character “Moana” would undergo a significant transformation in an upcoming sequel to her 2016 film, purportedly making her the first transgender Disney princess.

According to an article from the satirical Disney blog Mouse Trap News on December 10, 2023, the alleged sequel titled “Moana 2: Rise of Kai” would depict Moana’s transition “from a girl to a boy.”

The satirical piece claimed that Disney was embracing inclusivity by introducing a transgender princess, citing examples like Furry Days and the concept of men portraying Disney princesses. The blog highlighted Moana’s journey of self-discovery in the first film and suggested that the popular song “How Far I’ll Go” served as a metaphor for Moana’s desire to transition.

The Mouse Trap News article gained traction on TikTok, where it went viral, accumulating over 3 million views and 80,000 likes. However, comments on the TikTok video expressed skepticism and criticism, questioning the legitimacy of Disney’s alleged plotline for Moana.

It was later revealed that the claim was entirely false. Mouse Trap News clarified on its website that it is a satire site creating “100% made-up stories” for entertainment. The site’s About page explicitly stated that their content is not true, real, or accurate, emphasizing the satirical nature of their narratives.

As of the time of writing, there was no evidence of an official sequel to “Moana” in production. Additionally, Dwayne Johnson, who voiced Maui in the original film, announced an upcoming live-action remake in April 2023.

This incident echoed a previous satirical claim by Mouse Trap News about queer representation in Disney films, specifically a rumor in October 2023 that Elsa would marry a woman in “Frozen III.”

Both instances underscored the importance of verifying information from reliable sources before accepting sensational claims about beloved characters in popular media.

_{Repurposed article originally published in Snopes}