Why Does Pua the Pig Hate Water in ‘Moana’

Fans of ‘Moana’ have pondered a seemingly simple question for years, revolving around a chubby, spotted piglet who disappears as soon as the boat sets sail. Pua, Moana’s cherished childhood friend, is prominent in the film’s early scenes and marketing, yet he never actually joins her on the ocean. This absence is rooted in a specific fear that characterizes him throughout the story.

That fear is water, particularly the open ocean and its unpredictable waves. This trait is evident from his very first appearance and influences nearly every significant decision he makes for the remainder of the film.

According to Pua’s official character history, his love for sailing and coconut water is contrasted by a distinct fear of rough seas, adding a charming and humorous aspect to his personality. He isn’t entirely averse to boats or the shore; he happily accompanies Moana during her unsuccessful attempts to explore the ocean and even carries an oar in his mouth, indicating his understanding of her desire to sail.

The real trouble arises when the water becomes perilous. After Pua falls into the water during one of Moana’s early attempts to leave the island, and Moana struggles to steer the boat back to rescue him, the little pig refuses to approach the water again. This traumatic experience seems to be the root of his ongoing fear.

Fan-maintained character databases reflect this same detail, noting that while Pua deeply cares for Moana and her sailing dreams, he simply cannot handle the rough seas. His aversion is not to water itself but rather a specific, understandable fear of the ocean’s unpredictable and often violent nature.

The in-story explanation is straightforward, but the deeper reason lies in the film’s writing choices. Moana realizes how shaken Pua is when he runs away in fear at the sight of an oar, which ultimately leads her to decide against bringing him on her journey.

Behind the scenes, this decision was made intentionally from the outset. Writer Jared Bush believed that Moana’s journey needed to be challenging and uncomfortable, so Pua was excluded from that part of the story, stripping Moana of a comforting companion and heightening the difficulties of her mission. Producer Osnat Shurer explained in comments cited by Entertainment Weekly that Pua was left behind to allow Moana to embark on a true hero’s journey, one where all the comforts of home remained behind.

Not everyone involved with the film was entirely comfortable with this choice. Co-director John Musker has expressed mixed feelings about Pua’s absence even years after the film’s release, indicating how divisive the decision was internally.

The audience reaction was immediate and enduring. Pua’s limited role in the film drew criticism from fans and critics alike, as he had been prominently featured in pre-release marketing, leading many to expect a larger part.

It’s important to note that Pua’s fear is not about water in general, which adds depth to his character beyond a simple comedic element. He genuinely enjoys coconut water and sailing, demonstrating that his anxiety is specifically tied to rough, open seas rather than water as a whole.

This distinction is significant in how the character is perceived on screen. Earlier in the film, Moana shares her coconut water with Pua, a small yet affectionate detail that highlights their bond on land and in calm waters.

It is only when the waves become large, fast, and treacherous that Pua’s puppy-like bravery transforms into real panic. This contrast between his eagerness in calm waters and his fear in a storm is part of what makes his limited screen time resonate emotionally with viewers.

The ongoing question of why Pua stayed behind became a running joke among fans for years, and Disney eventually acknowledged it. In the trailer for ‘Moana 2’, Maui crash lands on Moana’s raft, sees Pua, fails to recognize him, and asks Moana why she didn’t bring the pig last time, directly referencing the original film’s unresolved plot point.

This callback hints at something fans have long hoped for since 2016. Early glimpses of ‘Moana 2’ suggest that Pua has finally conquered his fear and joined Moana’s raft, potentially giving him the significant role he was denied in the first film.

For a character defined by puppy-like devotion and a relatable fear, Pua’s journey from anxious piglet to possible seafaring companion feels like a long-awaited development. What do you think finally helped Pua overcome his fear of the open water in ‘Moana 2’?