Surprise! Not only is there an animated Moana sequel in the works, but it will be released later this year in theaters. Disney released the first still from Moana 2 and debuted a super short teaser confirming the November 27, 2024 theatrical release date.
“Moana remains an incredibly popular franchise,” said Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger, adding, “and we can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when Moana 2 comes to theaters this November.”
Disney originally planned the animated project to be a Disney+ series. It evolved into a feature film directed by Dave Derrick Jr., with music by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ release date announcement did not include any cast details. It did, however, include the following synopsis:
“Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical Moana 2 takes audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new 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.”
Moana 2 is separate from the live-action Moana film that was announced in April 2023. The live-action film is targeting a 2025 release.
The original Moana opened in theaters on November 23, 2016 and grossed $643+ million worldwide during its theatrical run. It was nominated for two Academy Awards – Best Animated Feature Film and Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song) – and two Critics Choice awards. Moana also earned six Annie nominations, winning in the Outstanding Achievement in Animated Effects in an Animated Production and Outstanding Achievement in Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production (Cravalho) categories.
