The beloved characters from Moana are making their grand return to the big screen with Moana 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2016 animated blockbuster. A new trailer and poster for the film were unveiled to an ecstatic audience at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, where stars Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson took the stage together for the first time to present the latest installment of this Polynesian-inspired saga.
The showcase reached a high point when Cravalho, who voices the titular character, wowed the crowd with a live performance of one of the film’s brand-new songs, “We’re Back.” Her performance was accompanied by vibrant dancers and drummers from Nonosina Polynesia, under the direction of Tiana Liufau. Liufau, who previously contributed choreography to the original Moana film, returned to lend her expertise to the sequel, ensuring the cultural authenticity and energetic spirit that fans adore.
Not to be outdone, Johnson, who reprises his role as the demigod Maui, led the crowd in a rousing “chee hoo!” chant, energizing the audience and showcasing the dynamic chemistry that helped make the first film a hit.
In addition to Cravalho and Johnson, the sequel sees the return of several beloved characters. Rachel House returns as Moana’s wise grandmother, Tala; Temuera Morrison is back as Moana’s protective father, Chief Tui; and Nicole Scherzinger reprises her role as Moana’s caring mother, Sina. New voices also join the cast, including Hualālai Chung, David Fane, and Rose Matafeo as Moana’s new crew members Moni, Kele, and Loto. Awhimai Fraser voices a mysterious new character named Matangi, while Gerald Ramsey plays Moana’s ancestor, Tautai Vasa. The film also introduces Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Moana’s adorable little sister, Simea.
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Moana 2 picks up three years after the original film, reuniting Moana and Maui for an expansive new voyage. After receiving a mysterious call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey far beyond the familiar waters of Oceania into dangerous, long-lost seas. This new adventure promises to be even more daring and breathtaking than the last, as Moana and her crew face challenges and wonders unlike anything they’ve encountered before.
Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, Moana 2 boasts a powerhouse production team. Christina Chen and Yvett Merino produce the film, with Jennifer Lee, Jared Bush, and Dwayne Johnson serving as executive producers. The film’s music is composed by a star-studded team, including Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. Bush and Miller also penned the screenplay, promising a narrative as captivating as the original.
Moana 2 is set to sail into theaters on November 27, 2024.
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