Disney – 2016(LOS ANGELES) — The new Walt Disney animated film Moana had its premiere Monday night in Hollywood. It’s the story of a Pacific Islander princess, Disney’s first such princess. She’s played by 15-year-old Hawaiian Auli’i Cravalho who told ABC Radio she was thrilled to play such a strong woman.

“I think it’s really important that we have more heroes and heroines in major media because these days we need more heroes and heroines who will voice their thoughts and voice who they really are,” Cravalho said.

Dwayne Johnson, who costars as Maui, a demigod who helps Moana on her journey, said he appreciates the strong message, especially for women.

“Always listen to that little voice inside your gut, in your heart, your intuition,” says Johnson.  “Because you have enough people who will tell you, you can’t do something or you’re not good enough or you don’t look a certain way and there’s so much noise. Like Moana in our movie who listens to that little voice, I tell my daughters the same thing: you can do anything. You can do anything you want. Anything.”

Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda was one of the main songwriters for the musical.  He said he was happy to write the music because he loves the film’s message.

“Well, I think it’s awesome to have a young woman in a Disney movie who just kicks butt and saves the world,” Miranda said. “She’s not looking for a boyfriend, she’s not looking for romance, she’s saving her people and she really is the engine of the story at every turn and I feel really proud to be a part of that.” 

Moana opens November 23.  Disney’s the parent company of ABC News.

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