After first starting out as a series for Disney+, “Moana 2” is now a real full-blown feature-length film. This is thanks in part to Disney chief Bob Iger’s recommendation to turn the once Disney+ “Moana” series into a movie. Iger’s decision can be seen partly due to Disney’s recent pivot from Disney+ content to more theatrical releases.
“Moana 2” looks like a fun adventure, with Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho), three years after the original film, getting an expected notice from her wayfinding ancestors, which leads her to go to the far seas of Oceania in a new intense adventure. Through it all, we will see Moana go on this journey with a group of unsuspecting seafarers. Its plot is reminiscent of other Disney sequels in its seemingly more standalone, plot-driven, adventure-like narrative. This standalone synopsis makes it a bit clearer how the film was initially intended as a Disney+ show.
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Despite this huge news, there is still more Moana news on the way, with a live-action version coming soon in 2026. From this, it’s clear that Disney is not giving up on this IP.
Both leads, Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprise their roles as Moana and Maui, respectfully. Aside from them, other returning cast members include Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, and Alan Tudyk. The newer cast includes Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, and Hualai Chung.
While the original “Moana” was directed by John Musker and Ron Clemons, the famous directors behind Disney classics such as “Aladdin,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Treasure Planet,” “The Princess and the Frog,” and “Hercules,” “Moana 2” is directed by David G. Derrick, Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller. It is written by David G. Derrick and Jared Bush. “Moana 2” is produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino.
There will be music by Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, and Mark Mancina, all Grammy winners, along with Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaề.
“Moana 2” arrives in theaters on November 27 and will be distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Watch the new trailer below.
Here’s the synopsis:
“Moana 2” reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.