Get Ready for ‘Moana 2’: Moana and Maui Face Off Against Coconut Monsters!
Dwayne Johnson, the voice behind Maui, the demigod with all the swagger in Disney’s “Moana” movies, just took the spotlight at Disney’s D23 and it was epic! With a standing ovation and a ton of hype, he revealed the brand-new trailer for “Moana 2,” promising a wild ride in this highly-anticipated sequel.
Set three years after the original 2016 film that snagged an Oscar nod, “Moana 2” plunges into a thrilling new adventure. Moana and her crew are on a quest to find the elusive lost island of Motufetu, which was once a key connection between the ocean and now remains hidden by a vengeful Storm God. Sounds intense, right?
Dwayne Johnson, in his usual motivational style, highlighted the importance of “believing there’s more and having the guts to go for it.” As a man of Polynesian heritage, being both Black and Samoan, he understands the significance this film holds, not just for him but also for Auli’i Cravalho, who voices Moana.
In the trailer, Moana steps into her role as the big sister, guiding her adorable 3-year-old sis, Simea. Earlier, Cravalho shared that Simea is Moana’s “whole world.” As Moana, now the leader of both land and sea, she searches nearby islands for signs of other people. But things take a dark turn when she encounters a mysterious new villain cloaked in purple and surrounded by bats. The villain ominously threatens, “You will be destroyed, and your way finder too.”
And if that’s not enough, the Kakamora coconut tribe is back and ready for action, launching blow darts at Moana. Classic troublemakers!
Meanwhile, Cravalho wowed the crowd by performing “We’re Back,” a new original song from “Moana 2,” which is set to drop on Nov. 27. She was joined by an incredible ensemble of dancers and drummers from Nonosina Polynesia, under the direction of Tiana Liufau. Liufau, who contributed choreography for both “Moana” and the sequel, helped bring a rich, authentic vibe to the performance. The film’s soundtrack features a powerhouse team of Grammy-winning songwriters—Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear—alongside Pacific legend Opeatia Foa’i and returning composer Mark Mancina.
Transitioning to behind the scenes, directors David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller are taking over the reins from the original’s John Musker and Ron Clements. Jared Bush joins them as a co-writer.
The voice cast is stacked with talent, featuring Temuera Morrison as Tui, Nicole Scherzinger as Sina, Rose Matafeo as Loto, David Fane as Kele, Hualālai Chung as Moni, and Alan Tudyk as Heihei.
Remember, the first “Moana” was a massive hit, pulling in over $680 million at the box office and earning two Oscar nominations. Plus, it got a major streaming boost on Disney+ with over a billion hours watched last year.
So, gear up for the next chapter in Moana’s journey! And just so you know, “Moana 2” is a whole different adventure from the live-action remake currently in the works, with Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui. This sequel is going to be legendary!
Specs for ‘Moana 2’
Release Date:
- Nov. 27, 2024
Directors:
- David Derrick Jr.
- Jason Hand
- Dana Ledoux Miller (Co-writer)
Writers:
- Jared Bush (Co-writer)
Voice Cast:
- Dwayne Johnson as Maui
- Auli’i Cravalho as Moana
- Temuera Morrison as Tui
- Nicole Scherzinger as Sina
- Rose Matafeo as Loto
- David Fane as Kele
- Hualālai Chung as Moni
- Alan Tudyk as Heihei
Music:
- “We’re Back” by Auli’i Cravalho (Original Song)
- Songwriters: Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opeatia Foa’i, Mark Mancina
- Choreography: Tiana Liufau (Nonosina Polynesia)
Box Office:
- Original “Moana” Gross: Over $680 million
- Disney+ Streaming Hours: 1 billion hours last year
Notes:
- “Moana 2” is separate from the live-action remake currently in development, with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui.
