Prepare to set sail once again with Moana as Disney unveils plans for a long-awaited sequel to the beloved animated film. In a surprise announcement, Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed that “Moana 2” is set to hit theaters on November 27, 2024, much to the delight of fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Moana’s journey.
Originally conceived as a TV series, “Moana 2” evolved into a feature film after Iger was impressed by early footage, underscoring the enduring popularity of the franchise. Iger expressed his excitement for the upcoming sequel, stating, “’Moana’ remains an incredibly popular franchise. We can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when ‘Moana 2’ comes to theaters this November.”
Directed by Dave Derrick Jr., the sequel promises to take audiences on an “expansive new voyage” alongside Moana, Maui, and a fresh crew of seafarers. As Moana receives a call from her wayfinding ancestors, she embarks on a perilous adventure into uncharted waters, braving dangers unlike any she has faced before.
While the sequel will feature music from Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, notable songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, who penned hits like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome,” is not expected to contribute new songs to the follow-up.
“Moana” proved to be a box office sensation for Disney, grossing over $680 million worldwide and captivating audiences with its enchanting tale. The film’s success continued on Disney+ with over 1 billion hours streamed last year, cementing its status as a beloved classic.
The decision to release “Moana 2” in theaters comes as Disney seeks to rebound from a challenging year at the box office in 2023. With several high-profile releases underperforming, including “Wish” and “The Marvels,” Disney is banking on the enduring appeal of the “Moana” franchise to reignite audience excitement.
It’s worth noting that “Moana 2” is distinct from the studio’s live-action remake, which is currently in development with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui. Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original film, is expected to return for the animated sequel but will not portray the character in the live-action adaptation.
As anticipation builds for “Moana 2,” fans can look forward to another thrilling adventure with Moana and Maui, guided by the same spirit of courage, wit, and emotional strength that captured hearts around the world.
