The first official trailer for Moana 2 is here, promising more music, magic and adventure for its titular heroine.
"Moana is embarking on a new journey, three years after her first voyage, to search for people beyond the shores of Motunui," as stated in the synopsis released with the trailer on May 29. She is joined by Maui and a new crew of unlikely seafarers as they venture into the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has experienced before.
Disney revealed the sequel to the original Moana film in February with a scheduled release date of November 27. Auliʻi Cravalho, the star of the first film, has confirmed that she will be reprising her role as Moana in this new installment.
Excited to announce my return to the fictional Polynesian island of Motunui! Lip-syncing to Beyoncé's "Texas Hold 'Em" in the video, I captioned it with, "We're sailing WAY beyond the reef this November ... #Moana2."
In addition to Auli'i Cravalho, who is 23 years old, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will be back as the charmingly self-centered demigod Maui, and Alan Tudyk will return as Moana’s funny pet rooster, Heihei.
Moana 2 Trailer Promises More Music and Adventure
Walt Disney Company
Johnson, 52, took to Instagram earlier this month to share some adorable snaps of his daughter Jasmine, 8, accompanying him to a recording session for Moana 2.
"That’s a wrap (for now) on MAUI’s part for the upcoming MOANA 2," he wrote alongside photos of Jasmine observing him work and capturing moments. "I had the best motivation to keep me going strong. As I journey through life, I realize that my daughters are my greatest source of inspiration and joy. This little one already knows that her daddy loves her."
Johnson has two daughters, Jasmine and Tiana, with his wife Lauren Hashian, and a daughter named Simone, 22, with his ex-wife Dany Garcia. Originally, Johnson and Cravalho were set to reunite for a Moana TV series, but Disney opted to turn the project into a film.
"We were really impressed by what we saw and felt that it deserved to be released in theaters," shared Disney CEO Bob Iger during a February earnings call, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. He also mentioned that the original film had exceeded 1 billion minutes of viewing on Disney+ in 2023, showing its enduring popularity.
Following Moana's heroic quest to save her island in the first movie, the sequel will follow her on a new adventure as she embarks on a "grand journey in search of people beyond the shores of Motunui," as stated in a Disney press release.
Moana 2 follows the story of Moana, who is joined by Maui and a new crew of unlikely seafarers on a journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever faced.
The upcoming film is written and directed by David G. Derrick Jr., with its predecessor being written by Jared Bush and directed by John Musker and Rob Clements.
Moana 2 sails into theaters on November 27.
Editor's P/S:
The highly anticipated sequel to "Moana" promises an exhilarating adventure with its titular heroine venturing beyond the known seas of Motunui. Joining forces with Maui and a diverse crew, Moana embarks on a perilous journey into uncharted waters, facing formidable challenges and discovering hidden realms. The return of Auli'i Cravalho as Moana, Dwayne Johnson as Maui, and Alan Tudyk as Heihei ensures the film's beloved characters will continue to captivate audiences.
This sequel not only expands the story of Moana but also reflects the changing landscape of Disney animation. The transition from a planned TV series to a theatrical release speaks to the studio's recognition of the film's potential to deliver a cinematic experience. The enduring popularity of the original "Moana" on Disney+, with over 1 billion minutes of viewing, further underscores the film's resonance with audiences. As Moana sails into theaters this November, it promises to offer a captivating blend of music, magic, and adventure that will undoubtedly enchant fans old and new.