When Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana first hit the shores in 2016, it was critical and commercial smash that brought Polynesian culture and a contemporary sound from singer and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda onto the big screen in a way that could only be described as magical. Now, the studio hopes to replicate that once more with Moana 2, a newly announced sequel that is set to arrive in theaters November 2024.
The Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced today that Moana 2, Disney Animation’s all-new feature-length sequel to 2016’s Oscar-nominated film, will be released in theaters in 2024. “Moana remains an incredibly popular franchise,” said Iger, “and we can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when Moana 2 comes to theaters this November.”
To celebrate the announcement, Disney has released a first look at the sequel, which sees Moana on an outrigger, sailing into the night alongside her friend, the fish-hook-wielding Maui and animal companions Pua and Hei-Hei. Also, there are three “seafarers” we’ve never seen before. While two of them are staying on the deck, one is hanging on the mast, as if to get a better view of that horizon.
And beneath them is what appears to be a giant illuminated whale shark with some triangular tattoos.
There’s also a special announcement video that sees Moana on a shore. With the oceanic waters gently washing ashore while the sand is between her toes, our heroine picks up a shell and blows into it which sends out a mighty sound. And just to make sure that you know Moana 2 is coming, you hear Olivia Foa’i’s powerful Talou Taglola play in the background.
Additionally, the press release included a brief plot synopsis describing why Moana is setting sail for another adventure across the ocean.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical Moana 2 takes audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui, and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.
The first Moana was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. It also marked the end of their storied careers at the iconic studio. While the film that went on to earn $682 million at the box office, it also introduced the world to the studios dedication to bring more authentic representation to their feature films that have characters of color. This meant assembling the Oceanic Story Trust. This group consisted of anthropologists, cultural practitioners, historians, linguists, and choreographers from around the different Polynesian islands.
Now, there is a new person sitting in the director’s chair. Moana 2 will be directed by Dave Derrick Jr. He is a visual artist whose credits include Megamind, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Flushed Away. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Moana film without music, and Disney is bringing in Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina, to work on some of the new songs for the sequel.
Moana 2 opens in theaters on November 27, 2024.
