The enchanting call of the sea beckons Moana once more as Disney unveils ‘Moana 2’ to the beloved film, set to grace theatres on 27th November.
Breaking the news ahead of Disney’s first quarter fiscal report, CEO Bob Iger shared the unexpected announcement on CNBC. Initially conceived as a TV series, ‘Moana 2’ evolved into a full-fledged feature film after Iger was captivated by the impressive footage.
Expressing his excitement, Iger stated, “‘Moana’ remains an incredibly popular franchise. We can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when ‘Moana 2’ comes to theatres this November.” According to Disney, this sequel promises an “expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui, and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers.”
Triggered by an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana embarks on a daring adventure into the far seas of Oceania, navigating dangerous, long-lost waters in a quest like never before.
Get ready for the magic to continue as Dave Derrick Jr. takes the helm in directing the highly anticipated sequel to ‘Moana.’ The film will be brought to life with a mesmerizing musical score from the talented duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, along with the return of Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina, who played a pivotal role in the success of the first film.
However, fans might miss the musical genius of Lin-Manuel Miranda, as he is not expected to contribute new songs to this follow-up.
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The original ‘Moana’ made waves, generating over $680 million at the box office and finding a new home on Disney+ with a staggering 1 billion hours streamed last year. Disney CEO Bob Iger’s decision to bring ‘Moana 2’ to theatres comes after a challenging 2023 at the box office, marked by a series of misfires like ‘Wish,’ ‘The Marvels,’ ‘Haunted Mansion’ and ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.’
It’s important to note that ‘Moana 2’ is distinct from Disney’s live-action remake, which is currently in development with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as the tattooed demigod Maui. Auli’i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, is expected to return for the animated sequel.
However, in the live-action version, she will not portray the titular character. Cravalho, serving as an executive producer, expressed the importance of accurate casting in a social media post last May, stating, “I can’t wait to find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit, and emotional strength.” The journey continues, promising a sequel that will captivate hearts once again.
– Farheen Ali