A Surprising Announcement
Disney has recently made a surprising announcement regarding their upcoming animated feature for 2024. While many were anticipating the release of sequels to popular films like Zootopia and Frozen, Disney has blindsided us all with the revelation of Moana 2.
A Glimpse into the Sequel
Disney has given us a sneak peek into Moana 2, starting with a concept teaser trailer. This short 16-second trailer showcases an island in Polynesia, where we see Moana, now slightly older, standing in ankle-deep water. She picks up a conch and blows into it, revealing the title “Moana 2” on the screen. In addition to the teaser, Disney has also released a first look image featuring Moana, Maui, and a crew of seafarers aboard Maui’s Outrigger. They gaze into the ocean and witness a stunningly vibrant sea creature, resembling a neon whale. While details about the plot are scarce, Disney has provided a brief synopsis of the film.
An Expansive New Voyage
According to the synopsis, “Moana 2” takes audiences on a new voyage with Moana, Maui, and a brand new crew of unlikely seafarers. Moana receives an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, leading her to embark on a perilous adventure in the far seas of Oania and into dangerous, long-lost waters. This promises to be an adventure unlike anything Moana has faced before. While the cast for the sequel has not been announced, it’s safe to assume that Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will reprise their roles as Moana and Maui, respectively. The film will be directed by Dave Derek Jr., a current Disney storyboard artist and head of story, making his directorial debut. The movie will feature songs by Grammy winners Abigail Boo and Emily Bear, while Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i will provide Polynesian-inspired music. The score will once again be composed by Mark Mancina.
The Unexpected Success of Moana
Although the announcement of a sequel may have come as a surprise to some, it shouldn’t be too unexpected. The original “Moana,” released in 2016, may not have made a huge impact upon its initial release but has since gained significant popularity through streaming platforms. In fact, according to Nielsen, “Moana” was the most streamed movie of 2023 and holds the title of the most streamed kids movie of all time. In addition to the sequel, a live-action remake of “Moana” starring Dwayne Johnson as Maui is currently in production and is expected to hit theaters in the coming years. Furthermore, a “Moana” musical animated series has been in the works at Walt Disney Animation Studios in Vancouver for a few years. Interestingly, Dave Derek Jr. was previously announced as the director of the series, which suggests that it has been transformed into a movie.
A Potential Concern
While the first looks of “Moana 2” appear promising, there are some concerns. The replacement of Lin Manuel Miranda, who composed the memorable songs for the original film, is perplexing. Miranda’s music played a significant role in the success of “Moana,” and his absence in the sequel raises questions about the film’s musical impact. Additionally, the replacement of the original directors, Ron Clements and John Musker, adds to the uncertainty surrounding the project.
Final Thoughts
Though there is still much to learn about “Moana 2,” including the full cast and a more detailed synopsis, fans of the original film and newcomers alike can look forward to an exciting and expansive new adventure with Moana, Maui, and a fresh crew of seafarers. Only time will tell if “Moana 2” lives up to its predecessor’s success, but one thing is for certain: Disney has once again surprised us all with this unexpected announcement. What are your thoughts on “Moana 2”? Are you excited for this sequel, or do you share some trepidation like myself? Join the conversation below and let us know your thoughts!
