In an exciting revelation, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced the eagerly awaited sequel to the beloved 2016 animated hit, “Moana,” during an exclusive interview on CNBC today, just ahead of Disney’s fiscal 1st quarter earnings report. Contrary to earlier plans for a television series, Disney has decided to set sail with “Moana 2” for a surprise theatrical release on November 27th of this year.
Iger expressed his enthusiasm for extending the adventures of Moana and Maui, stating, “Moana remains an incredibly popular franchise, and we can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when ‘Moana 2’ comes to theaters this November.”
According to a press release from Disney, “Moana 2” promises an epic journey into uncharted waters with Moana, Maui, and a fresh crew of unlikely adventurers. Summoned by her ancestral wayfinders, Moana embarks on a perilous quest across the vast seas of Oceania, encountering mysteries and challenges unlike any she has faced before.
The sequel will be helmed by director Dave Derrick Jr., featuring a stellar musical score composed by Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, who all contributed to the magic of the original film.
“Moana” was a resounding box office success, grossing over $680 million worldwide. Variety’s Chief Film Critic Peter Debruge lauded the film, praising Moana as one of Disney’s most remarkable heroines yet, who takes control of her own destiny in a refreshing departure from traditional princess narratives.
In a testament to its enduring popularity, “Moana” surpassed 1 billion hours streamed on Disney+ last year, further solidifying its place in Disney’s pantheon of timeless classics.
In related news, actor Dwayne Johnson announced plans for a separate live-action adaptation of “Moana” during a Disney shareholders meeting last April. Expressing his gratitude and excitement, Johnson affirmed his commitment to honoring the Polynesian heritage embedded within the story.
Original star Auli’i Cravalho will not reprise her role as Moana in the live-action adaptation, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation in casting. However, she will serve as an executive producer, ensuring that Moana’s spirit and strength are faithfully portrayed on screen.
As anticipation mounts for both “Moana 2” and the live-action remake, fans around the world eagerly await the opportunity to once again journey into the enchanting world of Moana and her unforgettable adventures.
