MOANA Concept Art Reveals Stages Of Disney Design (IMAGES)

Moana, Disney’s original folk tale of an adventurous young Hawaiian woman who sets out on an epic journey, has reunited two of the studio’s legendary directors for their first 3D animated effort.

Ron Clements & John Musker, the co-directors of such classics as The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, bring their tried-and-true 2D sensibilities into the 3D animated form. To capture the look and history of the Pacific island culture, the Disney duo assembled an “Oceanic Story Trust” that comprised experts of the region’s history, anthropology, archeology, linguistics, and more. In partnership with Clements & Musker’s animation team, they developed the look for Moana‘s vibrantly epic scope.

Recently released concept art gives us a glimpse into their process, with images that show early stages of character design, costume options, landscape sketches, storyboards, and more – along with a few new final images, and a brand new poster.

Moana – with music co-written by Hamilton Broadway sensation Lin-Manuel Miranda – surfs into theaters this Thanksgiving, November 23, 2016.

Click on any picture for a full image gallery.

In “Moana,” Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming big-screen adventure, a spirited teenager named Moana (left) sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder. Along the way, she meets once-mighty demi-god Maui (right). Featuring Native Hawaiian newcomer Auli’i Cravalho as the voice of Moana, and Dwayne Johnson as the voice of Maui, “Moana” sails into U.S. theaters on Nov. 23, 2016. ©2015 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

MOANA visual development. Artist: Jin Kim, Visual Development Artist.

MOANA visual development. Artist: Bill Schwab, MOANA Art Director, Characters.

MOANA village costume design. Artist: Neysa Bové, Visual Development Artist.

MOANA village costume designs. Artist: Neysa Bové, Visual Development Artist.

MAUI visual development. Artist: Bill Schwab, MOANA Art Director, Characters.

MAUI Hawk visual development. Artist: Bill Schwab, MOANA Art Director, Characters

MOANA effects progression image, featuring Animation (top), Simulation (middle), and Render (bottom) passes.

“MINI MAUI” animation test still frame. Artist: Eric Goldberg, Animation Supervisor.

“MINI MAUI” expression sheet. Artist: Eric Goldberg, Animation Supervisor.

The MOANA story team was charged with saving the character “Heihei” from being cut from the film. These story boards illustrate an action sequence from the film in which the Kakamora are trying to steal the Heart of Te Fiti from Moana and Maui. In the initial version (top row), the Kakamora steal the heart and are pursued by Moana who captures it back. In the new versoin (bottom row), rooster Heihei first swallows the Heart of Te Fiti, and the chase ensues between the Kakamora and Moana, only this time they’re fighting to maintain posession of Heihei. Artist: Sunmee Joh, Story Artist.