Disney has announced that it will be releasing “Coco Reo Māori” on Disney+ in Australia and New Zealand on Monday 30th October 2023. “Coco Reo Māori” is the first Pixar film re-versioned into Te Reo Māori to be developed and produced by Matewa Media in association with Pixar Animation Studios. Disney has previously made versions of its animated hits “Moana”, “The Lion King” and “Frozen”.

In Pixar’s vibrant tale of family, fun and adventure, an aspiring young musician named Miguel, embarks on an extraordinary journey to the magical land of his ancestors. There, the charming trickster Héctor, becomes an unexpected friend who helps Miguel uncover the mysteries behind his family’s stories and traditions.

The new version was produced locally in Aotearoa by Matewa Media, Tweedie Waititi (Producer/Director), Chelsea Winstanley and Mia Henry-Teirney (Producers), Rob Ruha and Pere Wihongi (Music Directors). “Coco Reo Māori” is a celebration of Te Reo o Te Tai Rāwhiti, drawing on its specific and unique mita (dialect) to bring the story into Te Ao Māori.

The new version includes Mānuera Mānihera making his debut as the voice of aspiring musician Miguel, while multi-award-winning Māori musician and actor Troy Kingi plays Héctor, a charming trickster in the Land of the Dead. Justin Rogers (The Lion King Reo Māori) returns as the most famous musician in history, Ernesto De La Cruz, and haka idol Naomi Herewini-Houia plays the family matriarch, Mamá Imelda.

Edd Rivera, hailing from the home of Mariachi, and multilinguist Hana Mereraiha, have ensured the Spanish language is honoured throughout the film. Translations for the film were completed by father/son duo and renowned Tai Rāwhiti natives, Tā Selwyn Parata (chair of Te Matatini) and Ngarimu Parata.

Are you looking forward to watching “Coco Reo Māori”? Let us know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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