What more is there to say than “you’re welcome”?
Disney unveiled the first teaser for “Moana 2”, the eagerly awaited follow-up to the blockbuster animated film from 2016. Dwayne Johnson is back to voice Maui, and Auli’i Cravalho is back as Moana.
Despite having a very simple plot, the teaser shows Moana setting off on a fresh sea adventure in response to her elders’ call to “sail to new skies and reconnect our people across the entire ocean.” The new video, which also includes an amazing shot of Moana floating in front of a whale shark, highlights the sequel’s amazing water animation.
Heihei, the cock, and Pua, the pig, are back in the caravan with Moana. However, it appears that Pua will be travelling with Moana this time.
Watch 'Moana 2' trailer
Disney surprised everyone in February by confirming that a “Moana” sequel was under development and will be released later this year. Usually, animation sequels are revealed years in advance. Prior to being changed to become a feature film, it was planned to be a Disney+ original streaming series.
Disney CEO Bob Iger stated, “We were impressed with what we saw, and we knew it deserved a theatrical release,” on a February earnings conference.
Disney has a lot riding on “Moana 2’s” success, given the recent failure of several of its animated features in theatres, including “Wish,” “Strange World,” and “Lightyear.”
'Moana 2' plot: What is the story of the follow-up?
Disney previously said that Moana must “journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced” after receiving a “surprising call from her wayfinding ancestors” in “Moana 2.”
The movie, according to the company, will be a “expansive new voyage” with Moana, Maui, and a “brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers.” Disney claims that the story takes place three years after the last movie.
The sequel is directed by Dave Derrick Jr., who succeeds John Musker and Ron Clements.
When is "Moana 2" coming out?
On November 27, “Moana 2” is scheduled to open in theaters—perfect for the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving weekend saw the release of the first “Moana” as well.
Interestingly, the movie opens on the same day as “Wicked,” resulting in a box office showdown between the two much awaited family-friendly musicals.
Will "Moana" in live action still exist?
A different live-action version of “Moana,” which is also in the works, should not be confused with “Moana 2”.
In 2023, the live-action version of “Moana” was unveiled, prior to the news that the animated feature would have a follow-up. In the live-action version, Johnson will reprise his role as Maui; however, Cravalho will not be assuming the role of the title character. The adaptation of Moana has not yet revealed its cast.
“I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen,” Johnson stated in 2017. “This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength.”
A video of Johnson performing the song “You’re Welcome” for the “Moana” remake was posted on May 25. Johnson also disclosed that the film’s production will start in the autumn. July 2026 is when the movie is supposed to be released.
Which more animated Disney films are in development?
Disney CEO Bob Iger informed investors earlier this year that the firm is moving more towards sequels in the future.
Disney has announced that “Moana 2” will be followed by “Inside Out 2,” “Zootopia 2,” “Toy Story 5”, and “Frozen III.”
“Inside Out 2” premieres in cinemas on June 14, “Zootopia 2” is scheduled for release in 2025, while “Toy Story 5” and “Frozen III” launch in theatres in 2026.
