Disney’s Moana 2 is set to transport audiences back to the enchanting and culturally rich world of Moana and her island community, with a fresh wave of adventure, music, and discovery. Recently, Walt Disney Animation Studios offered an exclusive preview of the sequel’s first 30 minutes, teasing Moana’s latest journey, where familiar faces and new challenges come together to create an epic tale of growth, courage, and self-discovery.
Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, and written by Jared Bush (Disney Animation’s new chief creative officer), the film is set three years after the events of the first movie. Moana 2, hitting theaters on November 27, aims to expand the heroine’s story while staying true to the spirit of the original.
This highly anticipated sequel features a stirring soundtrack with original songs by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, including a grand opening number performed by Moana herself. Auli’i Cravalho reprises her role as the voice of Moana, joined by Dwayne Johnson as Maui, the larger-than-life demigod. “The opening song is a celebration that welcomes viewers back into Moana’s world,” director Jason Hand shared. “We merged familiar Polynesian sounds with fresh, vibrant melodies to reflect Moana’s evolving life and her pivotal role in the island community.”
The storyline sees Moana drawn back into her ancestral duty, compelled to set sail on a perilous journey to uncover a mysterious island. In one particularly thrilling scene, Moana and her friends encounter the mischievous Kakamora cohort, who, despite their diminutive size, prove to be formidable adversaries on the open ocean. “We delved into Moana’s growth as a leader, examining her struggle with the responsibilities and consequences of her choices,” co-director Dana Ledoux Miller explained. “Our goal was to balance her character’s deeper challenges with light-hearted, adventurous moments that highlight her resilience and humor.”
Moana 2 initially began development as a Disney+ series, but Disney’s CEO Bob Iger decided to expand it into a theatrical release. The team discussed how this decision impacted the storytelling. “We kept the core characters and themes but amplified the narrative for the big screen,” said Derrick. Co-writer Jared Bush added, “Moana’s world and her journey are best captured on a cinematic scale, giving audiences a full spectrum of her epic story.”
The latest trailer for Moana 2 premiered at Disney’s D23 Expo in August, featuring musical performances by Cravalho and Johnson, and hinting at the stunning visuals and immersive storyline fans can expect. Alongside Cravalho and Johnson, returning cast members Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, and Alan Tudyk lend their voices once again. Produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, Moana 2 promises to captivate viewers, combining lush animation, dynamic characters, and heartwarming themes that celebrate bravery, family, and tradition.