Walt Disney Animation Studios has revealed the newest trailer and poster for the nightly anticipated Moana 2. How far will she go this time?
Set three years after the release of the first Moana, the sequel reunites Moana (Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. The forthcoming release comes after Strange World and Wish, two originals, failed to live up to critical and commercial expectations. It will be interesting to see how Moana 2 came about considering how there was supposed to be a direct-to-streaming sequel series on Disney+.
One notable difference is the sharper and upgraded animation. Of course, that comes with the technology constantly improving. It’s not like Disney animation could use the original as a template. so it will be exciting to see how they decided to transition from a direct-to-streaming series and what sort of new animation styles and techniques they implemented to make it happen.
The trailer is also light on the plot. Running at a minute and 45 seconds, it quickly establishes familiarity by reintroducing specific hallmarks like Moana herself, her signature paddle, the sounds of Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. The two collaborate with with Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. We also see a conch, and Moana using her hand to measure the distance between the stars and horizon. Hei-Hei and Pu’a, Moana’s animal companions, and the Kakamora also return
The trailer also teases some new additions that would expand on the mythology. Like a growing family, new passengers, and new dangers. The island and its community are thriving. But when a lightning bold hits close to home, Moana is forced to answer the call as to why new dangers are closing in.
“This is a call from the ancestors to sail to new skies and reconnect our people across the entire ocean,” Moana says.
Before the trailer closes, Maui, in his shark form, swims through the ocean and leaps into the air transforming into a hawk in the process before landing onto Moana’s boat in his human form. Excited to be joining her on an adventure, he is overjoyed that the voyage comes with bacon and eggs. Let’s just say that Pu’a is in fear for his life after hearing that. Maui then asks Moana why she didn’t bring the pig last time — a question that we’d like answered.
Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino.
Here’s the official plot synopsis for Moana 2:
Moana 2 reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a 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.