In case you weren’t aware, Disney’s D23 Expo is taking place this weekend. Think of it as Comic-Con strictly for the Mouse House, and one day in and already there have been loads of announcements and looks at anticipated projects. One of the big ones announced early this year was Moana 2, which began life as a series but was converted into a feature film coming later this year.
Dwayne Johnson returns as the voice of demigod Maui, with Auli’i Cravalho back as Moana. Cravalho, who recently starred in the Mean Girls remake, won’t be reprising the role in the upcoming live-action Moana film, although Johnson is expected back for that one.
Others returning include Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, and Nicole Scherzinger, joined by Hualālai Chung, David Fane and Rose Matafeo as Moana’s crew members Moni, Kele and Loto, respectively. Awhimai Fraser voices the mysterious new character Matangi; Gerald Ramsey plays Moana’s ancestor, Tautai Vasa; and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda voices Moana’s adoring and adorable little sister, Simea.
Making his directorial debut is David Derrick Jr., whose animation experience includes Encanto, Raya and the Last Dragon, and the original Moana. He’s joined by co-directors Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller. Miller also co-wrote the screenplay with Jared Bush.
SYNOPSIS: Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2” reunites Moana (voice of Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Johnson) 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. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. Jared Bush and Miller are writing the film, which is executive produced by Jennifer Lee, Bush and Johnson.
Moana 2 opens in theaters on November 27th.