Disney’s “Moana” feature poster. File photo
Disney’s latest animated flick “Moana” is a wholesome animated film set to be shown next week, but in Italy, its title is synonymous with adult content.
The Polynesian-themed family movie will be released under the title “Oceania” due to its possible connotation with a popular ’90s Italian porn star, Moana Pozzi. The name of the protagonist will also be changed to Vaiana in lieu of Moana.
“There are two very simple reasons for the title change,” an Italian marketing expert, who wished to remain anonymous for professional reasons, said in a Fox News report. “One is that if you type ‘Moana’ and do a Google search in Italy you risk coming up with porn videos. And it’s very expensive and a waste of money to try and change that.” The second reason? “[In] any Italian focus group ‘Moana’ is Moana Pozzi the porn star.”
The famed adult star passed away in 1994, but still remains a household name in the country.
Disney did not make an official statement regarding the move, but Italy’s version has the most noticeable change among the countries where the film will be released.
The film also earned unwanted controversy in September, after being accused of racial stereotyping for a “Moana”-themed Halloween costume. Khristian Ibarrola
READ: Disney accused of cultural appropriation for ‘Moana’ kid costume