Exciting news for fans of Disney’s enchanting animated film, Moana! Walt Disney Animation has officially announced that Moana 2 is in the works, fulfilling the wishes of many who hoped for a continuation rather than a remake.
Released in 2016, Moana was celebrated for its stunning animation, memorable characters, and good music. The film garnered two Academy Award nominations and introduced Moana as a beloved Disney Princess.
The movie’s success, grossing nearly $700 million worldwide, led to talks of expanding the Moana universe. In 2020, Disney revealed plans for a television series based on Moana.
However, in 2023, Dwayne Johnson and Disney surprised everyone by announcing a live-action reimagining of the film. While some fans were excited, others expressed a desire for a sequel to the original animated film. Their wishes have been granted.
Earlier this year, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed that the planned Moana series would instead be turned into a feature film, Moana 2. Unlike other Disney animated films, which often take several years to develop, Moana 2 is set to hit screens by the end of 2024, with a release date on Wednesday, November 27th, just before Thanksgiving.
Trailer
While the series was initially intended for Disney+, the new Moana 2 film will be released exclusively in theaters this holiday season. Following its theatrical run, it’s expected to be available for streaming on Disney+.
Disney has released a brief sixteen-second teaser trailer for Moana 2, featuring Moana on a beautiful island at sunset, blowing a conch shell, with music playing in the background. An early still shows Moana, Maui, and her companions Pua and Heihei alongside a massive whale shark.
Cast
Auli’i Cravalho returns as Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as Maui, the demigod. Johnson expressed his gratitude for playing Maui, calling it a life-changing experience.
Other potential returning cast members include Rachel House as Moana’s grandmother, Tala, Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui, Nicole Scherzinger as Sina, and Jemaine Clement as the villainous crab Tamatoa.
Plot
The official plot synopsis teases an exciting new voyage for Moana and Maui: Walt Disney Animation Studios epic animated musical Moana 2 takes audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui, and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers.
After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.
With the anticipation building, fans of Moana can look forward to another thrilling adventure in the enchanting world of Oceania.