Is Moana's Pua a Girl?

One of the most intriguing characters from Disney's Moana is the demigod nicknamed "Pua," a coquettish, shape-shifting pig. But is he, in fact, a girl? This question has puzzled fans for years, and it's time to dive into the world of Moana to find the answer.

Pua's origins date back to Polynesian folklore, where he is connected to the Maui's Fish Hook legend. In Moana, Pua's character embellishes upon this folklore, with the pig portrayed as playful, intelligent, and a doting companion to Moana. But what about Pua's gender?

Pua's Character in Moana

Throughout the film, Pua is depicted as a male character. He learns to sail the seven seas with Moana, takes on the form of various animals, and even has a heroic moment swallowing a lava-spewing coconut to save his friends. None of these actions hint at Pua being anything but a male character.

Moreover, Pua's design and color scheme, with his pink-tinged tusks and predominantly male-type body frame, align him with traditional male representations in animation.

Pua's Voice and Pronouns

The voice of Pua, provided byughty actor Jemaine Clement, is also a prominent indicator. Clement's deep, masculine voice is used for Pua's grunts, snorts, and occasional intelligible phrases, aligning perfectly with the pig's male persona.

Notably, in the dialogue, Moana refers to Pua using male pronouns like 'him' and 'he,' further cementing the fact that he is indeed a boy. For instance, she says, "He understands everything we say," and "I don't want to lose him," clearly indicating Pua's male gender.

Pua's Cult Following and Fan Art

Another significant factor to consider is the fanbase's perception of Pua's gender. In online forums, on Reddit, and across social media platforms, fans overwhelmingly refer to Pua as a boy. His " mogs" (unks without pants) hashtag, celebrations on #PuaDay, and innumerable fan arts depicting Pua as male all support this consensus.

While some may argue that Pua is androgynous or non-binary due to his adaptable form, this interpretation goes against the film's established canon, Disney's consistent portrayal of Pua as male, and the general consensus within the fandom.

Pua's Role in Moana's Story

Pua's character serves an essential role in the story as Moana's loyal companion. He supports her journey across the seas, boosts her confidence, and even saves her life. None of these responsibilities would change if Pua were a girl. His gender does not impact the narrative's strength or Moana's growth.

Instead, Pua's primary purpose is to breathe fun, humor, and heart into Moana's adventure. His personality, not his gender, is what makes Pua an unforgettable character.

Pua's Importance in Representation

While Pua's gender might not significantly impact the narrative, his presence does contribute to representation. As a male character of color, Pua helps diversify the cast in Moana, making the film relatable to more viewers. His unique combination of intelligence, loyalty, and humor also defies stereotypes, creating a refreshing and engaging character.

Moreover, Pua's role as a non-human companion challenges the traditional human-centric representation in animation. His presence encourages viewers to appreciate and celebrate animals and their contributions to stories, fostering empathy and respect for the natural world.

In any case, whether Pua is a boy, girl, or non-binary pig, one thing is undeniable: he's a beloved character who stole countless hearts in Moana. His charm, humor, and loyalty have earned him a permanent place in Disney fandom and our hearts. So, the next time you watch Moana, take a moment to appreciate Pua, the fabulous, bacon-loving demigod pig who's just perfect the way he is.