Disney returns with a reboot of Moana, an animated musical family/adventure film featuring Dwayne Johnson, Auli’i Cravalho, and a bit more magic to brighten your chilly days this fall, on Nov. 27.
On Feb. 7, Walt Disney Animation Studios confirmed that Moana will come back to screens this fall after being in production for four years. Moana, the original film, was released in Nov. 2016. On the deserted island of Polynesia, the story of Moana follows a strong minded, tenacious teenager who devotes her life to the sea. She goes against what’s expected of her as the daughter of a leader. However, she pertains to an adventure with the mischievous demigod Maui to save her people.
The development of Moana 2 could have gone two different ways. Bob Iger, Disney’s CEO, explains that this sequel was planned to become a television series on Disney+.
Iger gave fans a preview of what they are to expect in the upcoming film during “D23”. “D23” is known to be a Disney fan event taking place in Anaheim, California every two years.
“We learned in the first film just what an unbelievable adventurer Moana is… and I can only say that she is going to prove that yet again to us,” Iger said.
With the shocking results of the animation and storytelling of Moana 2, Iger concluded that it will be released as a film.
We are expecting a unique follow up on Moana’s heritage. Disney brings back Moana with a new feisty character, her 3 year old sister, who makes an entrance in the trailer of the film. Moana is on a new mission to connect with her people and bring her family closer to her ancestors and culture from an unexpected call. She is determined to unlock the hidden information through a journey in the deep waters of Oceania.
Dwayne Johnson, also known as “The Rock”, is reprising his role as Maui. He forms a special connection with Moana, as he is also Polynesian. His two daughters, Jasmine and Tiana Johnson have joined their dad in taking a role in Moana 2. It’s unclear what contribution they will make to the film, however, we know that the six and eight year old will be featured.
Johnson stated his perspective of Moana 2 on an Instagram post.
“Love seeing Maui’s growth in the new film–it’s one thing to be a powerful DemiGod, but the real power is empowering others to believe in themselves and go for it – especially a certain young girl,” Johnson wrote.
One of the biggest challenges of bringing Moana 2 to life is the decision to remove the original song writer who plays a crucial role in this film.
Unfortunately, the music of Lin Manuel Miranda wasn’t included in the production of Moana 2. Miranda’s bangers would cost Walt Disney Animation Studios a large sum of money and time–specifically 6 months, to re-establish his role in this musical. Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear have confirmed that they are to replace the phenomenal star as additional songwriters.
As Moana 2 releases soon, fans are more than ready to see their favorite Disney characters back on screen. The film’s trailer has already hit 178 million views and more across platforms, as of May 29. It has raised the charts as it breaks the Disney Record of the most viewed trailer in Disney Animation and Pixar History in less than a week of its release.
Fans are ready to set sail on a new adventure with Moana to enjoy the lively music and upcoming characters.
