After a surprising announcement, Disney Animation has officially confirmed that “Moana 2” is in the works. “Moana,” one of Disney’s best efforts in recent years, has been generally lauded as a stunning animated adventure.
It is no surprise that the film got two Academy Award nominations, given its amazing animation, endearing characters, and catchy tunes. Viewers worldwide fell in love with the animation’s Polynesian-inspired world, and Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) smoothly entered the lexicon of famous Disney Princesses.
After grossing nearly $700 million at the box office, strategies for advancement within the universe of the film were quickly put in motion. Disney said in 2020 that a new television series centered around “Moana” was in the works, but the idea has received little attention since then.
Dwayne Johnson and Disney shocked fans in 2023 when they announced a live-action remake of “Moana.” In February 2024, Disney CEO Bob Iger said the previously announced “Moana” series would be expanded into a feature film with “Moana 2.”
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When Disney announces a new animated film, the development process often takes many years. However, with “Moana 2” coming out soon, we’ll be reuniting with Moana and her friends and family much sooner than expected.
What Is Moana 2 About?
“Moana 2” is set three years after the events of the first film. In this sequel, Moana receives an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors.
She forms her own crew and reunites with her friend, the demigod Maui. Together, they embark on a journey to the far seas of Oceania to break the god of storms, Nalo’s, curse on the hidden island of Motufetu.
The adventure promises to be filled with new challenges and encounters with both old and new foes. It also includes the Kakamora and the underworld goddess Matangi.
The debut film opened with the beautiful maritime paradise gradually dissolving into chaos. This was because the shapeshifting demigod Maui stole an ancient item known as the Heart of Te Fiti.
Moana eventually finds Maui but discovers that he is not the invincible demigod he is portrayed to be. When he returns the Heart to her, Te Fiti is restored, and the planet is saved.
Meet the Cast Of Moana 2
The main cast of “Moana 2” includes Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana, Dwayne Johnson as Maui, and Alan Tudyk as Hei Hei. Temuera Morrison returns as Chief Tui, with Nicole Scherzinger as Sina and Rachel House as Gramma Tala.
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New characters are introduced, such as Rose Matafeo as Loto, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Simea, Hualālai Chung as Moni, David Fane as Kele, Awhimai Fraser as Matangi, and Gerald Ramsey as Tautai Vasa. This exciting lineup features many returning voices from the original film.
What Is Moana 2’s Release Date?
“Moana 2” is scheduled to hit theaters globally by the end of 2024, with an official release date of Wednesday, November 27, just before Thanksgiving.
The feature film adaptation of “Wicked” is scheduled to be released on the same day. The sequel will be released exclusively in theaters during the holiday season. It will almost certainly be accessible to stream on Disney+ and whichever streaming service replaces it after the planned Disney+ and Hulu merger.
Who Is Directing Moana 2?
The movie will be David G. Derrick Jr.’s directing debut. The sequel to a massively popular and adored film as one’s directorial debut is undoubtedly a high-pressure undertaking. Derrick Jr. takes over for Disney veterans Ron Clements and John Musker, who co-directed the previous film, adding to the burden.
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Derrick Jr. previously worked as a story artist for the original “Moana.” He also worked in the art department for other successful animated films such as “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Megamind,” “Encanto,” and others. Jennifer Lee, CCO of Walt Disney Animation Studios, is executive producing as always.
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