Disney has a new animated heroine ready to succeed the throne of Queen Elsa and "Frozen."
Walt Disney Animation Studios announced its latest feature film, "Moana," about a "spirited teenager on an impossible mission to fulfill her ancestors' quest," according to Disney's summary. The movie will be Disney's 56th animated feature.
Disney veterans Ron Clements and John Musker will direct the new CG-animated comedy adventure, set to release in late 2016. The two men also directed "The Little Mermaid," "Aladdin" and "The Princess And The Frog."
"Moana is indomitable, passionate and a dreamer with a unique connection to the ocean itself," Musker said in a statement. "She's the kind of character we all root for, and we can't wait to introduce her to audiences."
Clements added that "creating 'Moana' is one of the great thrills of our career."
Moana, "a born navigator," comes from the ancient South Pacific world of Oceania. She will set sail for a fabled island and, along the way, team up with her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui. They will "traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and ancient folklore," according to Disney.
The "Moana" fandom already started earlier this year when plans for the new animated film leaked online. Disney fans posted fan art depicting their idea of a "Polynesian princess" on sites like Tumblr, according to The Daily Dot.
Walt Disney Animation Studios will release its next feature film, "Big Hero 6," on Nov. 7. The studio's other movies include "Frozen," "Wreck-It Ralph," and the shorts "Paperman" and "Get A Horse!"
