Within the list of the most anticipated films of 2024, one movie towers over the rest. One that is surely one of the most beloved titles by Disney and one that even Disney might’ve marked as one of their most important releases. So what movie are we talking about? Well, it is none other than Moana 2. Its first part, Moana (2016), is, for many, one of the best Disney films.
A jewel that has earned a place in the heart of the fandom and that includes some of the best phrases from Disney and Pixar films. John Musker and Ron Clements, responsible for gems such as The Super Detective Mouse’ (1986), ‘The Little Mermaid’ (1989), ‘Aladdin’ (1992), and ‘Hercules’ (1997), teamed up with Chris Williams and Don Hall, creators of ‘Big Hero 6’, to tell this story that takes us to some islands in the South Pacific to meet Moiana Waialiki, a young woman who wants to explore the world by sailing the ocean.
She is the only daughter of an important captain who belongs to a family with several generations of sailors who, chosen by fate, will set sail to make the adventure of her life with Maui, a demigod with a troubled past, played by none other than Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Now, in a move that has surprised and excited fans of Disney’s animated hits, the company has just announced the release date of the sequel to Moana.
So when can fans get to see the film, and who are the actors playing the characters? Let’s find it out!
All about Disney’s sequel to the massive hit
Release Date
This new installment surely promises to be an epic journey that will not only attract fans of the first film but is also shaping up to capture a new generation of fans. So mark your calendars, as the theatrical release date of ‘Moana 2’ will be November 27, 2024. The same day as the long-awaited ‘Wicked’ by Jon M. Chu.
The plot for the sequel
As per the trailer shared recently by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson on his Instagram, the plot of Moiana 2 picks up the story after the events of the first film. Taking Moiana and her team of brave sailors, including the oneless demigod Maui, the chicken Hei Hei, and possibly the adorable pig Pua, on a new odyssey across the South Pacific. Responding to a mysterious call from their ancestors, they set sail into uncharted waters. Possibly in search of even grander and more challenging adventures.
The film’s promotional image, revealed during Disney’s annual shareholder meeting, shows a more mature Moana, sailing with determination into the unknown. This suggests a journey of self-discovery and heroism on a scale never seen before.
The most intriguing thing about this image is an enigmatic island. One that, at first glance, could pass for a giant monster. Thus hinting at the possible dangers and wonders that await our heroes in their new adventure.
The cast of the grand spectacle
Just like in the original version, Moana’s voice will once again be that of Auli’i Cravalho. The young woman who, since the premiere of the original film, has been seen in the series ‘The Power’ and in films such as ‘Crush’ and the recent ‘Mean Girls’. For his part, Dwayne Johnson will return as the irresistible demigod Maui. He will also bring the character to life in the live-action ‘Moana’ of 2026.
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 Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.
Fun fact
Moiana 2 began development as a series for Disney+, but the quality and ambition of the project prompted its transformation into a feature film. Although the haste in its announcement has generated some reservations among critics, the general expectation is high, in part thanks to the solid fan base that the franchise has built since its premiere in 2016. So, are you excited to watch the film? Let us know in the comments.