Disney is extending a warm “you’re welcome” as the Moana 2 Teaser Trailer releases, and it’s arriving sooner than anticipated! The upcoming feature-length sequel to the Oscar-nominated animated film is already in development and is set to hit theaters in November, as confirmed by Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger during an announcement on Wednesday.
Moana 2 teaser trailer is in the works stated Iger in a press release. Moana continues to be a beloved franchise, and they’re excited to bring more adventures of Moana and Maui to audiences this November. Alongside the announcement, a sneak peek image of Moana and Maui aboard a boat, navigating alongside a colossal, luminous whale, was unveiled, along with a teaser featuring the titular heroine standing on the shoreline, blowing a shell.
Moana’s Next Journey
Back in 2020, Disney initially announced a Moana TV series slated to premiere on Disney+ in 2023. However, Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed during an earnings call that the project underwent significant retooling, emerging as a new theatrical movie. It’s important to note that this sequel stands apart from the previously announced live-action remake of Moana, which was revealed last year. In the teaser for the upcoming sequel, the only audible voice is a brief excerpt of Maui’s iconic fa’aumu call, strongly suggesting that Dwayne Johnson will be returning to reprise his role. However, Disney has yet to confirm any voice actors, leaving fans speculating whether Auli’i Cravalho will also return to voice the titular character.
Disney Unveils Moana 2 Teaser Trailer
According to the press release, the sequel’s storyline embarks on a grand new adventure with Moana, Maui, and a fresh ensemble of unlikely sailors. Prompted by a surprising summons from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana sets sail to distant Oceania waters, delving into perilous, long-forgotten realms for an unparalleled journey unlike any she’s encountered before.
Exciting Updates for Moana Fans
The highly-anticipated sequel to Moana brings forth a fresh creative team, with Dave Derrick Jr. taking the helm as director. Grammy-winning sensations Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, renowned for their work on the Unofficial Bridgerton Musical, are set to infuse the film with their musical brilliance. Additionally, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina, who contributed to the original soundtrack, are returning to enrich the sequel with their musical expertise.
New Directors and Musical Talent Revealed for Sequel
Last April, it was announced by Johnson and Iger that a live-action adaptation of Moana is also in progress. However, it was later confirmed by Cravalho that she would not reprise her role as the titular character in this project. In a departure from the first movie, which featured music composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the sequel will showcase the musical talents of Barlow, Bear, Foa’i, and Mancina. David Derrick Jr., known for his storyboard work on Raya and the Last Dragon and Encanto, will be at the helm as director for Moana 2. While Disney has not yet disclosed whether Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson will return to reprise their roles, anticipation for the sequel continues to mount.
Moana Sequel Shifts Gears: From TV Series to Feature Film”
Originally envisioned as a continuation in the form of a television series, the Moana 2 teaser trailer underwent a significant transformation, emerging as a feature film project. This alteration in direction marks a notable shift in gears for the anticipated follow-up to the beloved animated movie. Set apart from another Moana-related venture currently in progress—a live-action remake—the sequel promises fresh adventures in the cinematic realm. Dwayne Johnson is slated to return to his role as the charismatic demigod Maui in the live-action remake. However, Auli’i Cravalho, who originally voiced the titular character Moana, will not reprise her role in this iteration.