In a delightful surprise for Moana fans, Disney revealed that the long-awaited sequel is getting a November 27, 2024 release date on the big screen.
Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed the news on CNBC before Disney discussed their fiscal earnings for 2024’s first quarter. Originally, Moana 2 was conceived as a TV series, but once Iger got a look at the impressive footage, the move was made to return Moana to the seas and the skies of the big screen.
“Moana remains an incredibly popular franchise,” Iger said in a statement. “We can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when Moana 2 comes to theaters this November.”
The sequel is being billed as a fresh adventure for Moana and Maui, along with a new group of “unlikely seafarers” after Moana receives a message from her ancestors. That message compels Moana, along with her trusty sidekick Maui (but don’t tell him that), and this new crew to sail to the far seas of Oceania on an adventure “unlike anything she’s ever faced.”
The original Moana was a massive hit for Disney, sailing past $680 million globally. The success of Moana also led to the development of a live-action Moana with Maui himself, Dwayne Johnson. As for the animated sequel, Auli’i Cravalho is expected to reprise her role as Moana, although there’s no word yet whether Johnson will return to voice Maui. Carvalho won’t star in the live-action film, but she will executive produce and be an active part of finding the next actress to play Moana.
For Moana 2, Dave Derrick Jr. directs, with music from Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow, alongside original Moana alums Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina.
Check out the teaser below. Once again, Moana 2 sets sail for theaters on November 27.
