Disney fans rejoice as the first official teaser for “Moana 2” dropped this morning, featuring the return of beloved characters and introducing a fresh, thrilling adventure. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho are back to voice their iconic roles in this highly anticipated sequel that promises to captivate audiences with its enchanting storytelling and stunning animation.
Set to release on November 27, 2024, “Moana 2” explores new territories both in its narrative and geographical settings. Directed by a talented trio—David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller—and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, the film boasts a rich musical ensemble with contributions from Grammy winners Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Mark Mancina, and Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi.
The plot thickens as Moana receives a mysterious call from her wayfinding ancestors, compelling her to embark on a perilous journey across the vast seas of Oceania. This new quest leads her into uncharted and dangerous waters, promising an adventure unlike any she has faced before. Accompanied by Maui and a new crew of seafarers, Moana’s story expands into an epic voyage that explores themes of heritage, courage, and discovery.
“Moana 2” is not just a sequel but a continuation of a story that captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The original film, released in 2016, was a commercial success, grossing over $687 million globally and receiving Oscar nods for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “How Far I’ll Go.”
The sequel’s unveiling came with a special preview by Dwayne Johnson at this year’s Cinemacon, where he also received the NATO Spirit of the Industry Award. Johnson highlighted the enduring significance of the theatrical experience, underscoring the importance of cinema in storytelling.
As “Moana 2” gears up to make its theatrical debut, it sets the stage for a box office showdown with “Wicked.” Both films target the family audience during the Thanksgiving holiday. This release strategy mirrors that of the first “Moana,” which also launched during Thanksgiving weekend, a time known for family gatherings and movie outings.
