Why "Moana" is called "Vaiana" in Europe?

Why "Moana" is called "Vaiana" in Europe? - Career Lettering Text on Black Background

Can someone explain reasons behind changing "Moana" movie's title to "Vaiana" in certain countries?

At first I thought that this is only my home country's (Poland) weird translation invention, but I have just noticed that "Moana" is called "Vaiana" also in French version of this movie.



Best Answer

It's a trademark issue

Disney’s alteration of film and character names is not an uncommon occurrence for French versions of English films. With past movie name changes including the likes of Finding Nemo that became Le Monde de Nemo (The World of Nemo) despite the Quebec French language version remainining Trouver Nemo (Finding Nemo). However the swap from Moana to Vaiana was claimed to be due to possible trademark issues that the name posed in Europe. With Disney Spain tweeting that “The ‘Moana’ mark is registered in Spain and in some European countries. So the film ‘Moana’, will be Vaiana.”

The Monsoon Project


The reasons behind the change of name are not completely clear, but a tweet from Disney España gives an important clue: ‘Moana’ is registered as a trademark in Spain, and in a number of other European countries, hence the change to Vaiana in Europe. According to the INDAC blog, one of the creators of the cartoon, John Musker, also confirmed this information at the last Annecy Film Festival. ‘Moana’ is not legally available for use in most European countries and, given that ‘Vai’ means ‘water’ and ‘Moana’ means ‘ocean’, the sense is ultimately the same.

Lexology.com




Pictures about "Why "Moana" is called "Vaiana" in Europe?"

Why "Moana" is called "Vaiana" in Europe? - Brown Wooden Blocks on White Table
Why "Moana" is called "Vaiana" in Europe? - Brown Wooden Blocks on White Table
Why "Moana" is called "Vaiana" in Europe? - Black Wooden Framed Wall Art



Why Moana is called Vaiana in Europe?

The reasons behind the change of name are not completely clear, but a tweet from Disney Espa\xf1a gives an important clue: 'Moana' is registered as a trademark in Spain, and in a number of other European countries, hence the change to Vaiana in Europe.

What is Moana called in Germany?

Disney's Moana (left) became Vaiana in Germany, while Maui got to keep his name.

What was Moana supposed to be called?

Although Moana is from the fictional island Motunui some 3,000 years ago, the story and culture of Moana is based on the very real heritage and history of Polynesian islands such as Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, and Tahiti.



Why is Moana sometimes called Vaiana??? | Disney




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