Surprise! Moana’s story isn’t over. During a recent earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced Disney Animation is working on Moana 2. The sequel follows up the 2016 movie centering on a girl who longed for adventure, and in taking said adventure, helped her people and found herself. The Moana sequel is already well underway and will see the characters Moana (obviously) and Maui returning. Happily, the voice of the original Moana, Auli’i Cravalho, will also be back for the Moana sequel. Dwayne Johnson will also reportedly return as the demi-god Maui. Disney even already has a brief first look. Watch it here:
The footage accompanies an image that hints at a grand journey ahead for Moana and Maui. It’s making us hope that Moana 2 has even more of life under the sea. For now, we know this about Moana 2‘s story:
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.
Given that Journey of Water recently opened at EPCOT, it feels right to get more Moana stories. We know there’s a live-action Moana in the works, but that’s not the same as continuing her tale. As much as I wish Disney would focus on original stories, I still feel excited about watching Moana return to the sea and learning what happened after she saved Motunui. This round, however, had better include more Pua. The first film didn’t feature enough of that cute little pig.
Dave Derrick Jr. will direct Moana 2. The film will feature music from Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina.
What Is Moana 2‘s Release Date?
We won’t have to wait long for Moana 2. It’s sailing to theaters on November 27, 2024.
Originally published on February 7, 2024.