Nearly eight years after its release, the Disney animated musical Moana still makes waves in more ways than one. Now Disney is raising its sails for “Moana 2.” “You’re welcome.”
Walt Disney Animated Studios made the announcement earlier today by releasing a very small teaser and concept art image. The former sees the camera zooming to a sun setting on a small island. There beached on the shorts of it, is Moana’s outtigger, with its iconic sail raised. We also see Moana on the shores of a beach. As ocean water gently washes against her feet, the camera quickly switches to her hip, where we see a hand reach over to a conch. Then she blows into it where it releases a mighty sound as if she were calling to other sea-loving, strong-willed wayfarer. Now it is only a matter of time to find out who she is calling out to. Perhaps it is Maui, who makes his unforgettable chant.
Now it wouldn’t be much of a sequel without the return of favorite characters and a couple of new ones joining them. The newly released teaser image shows that Moana won’t be alone on her latest journey across the ocean. As she is seen standing on the edge of her outrigger, Maui is there holding his fishhook, and animal companions Pua and Hei-Hei are also there. Additionally, there are three other characters standing in the back. While two are on the deck, there’s one who is hanging on the mast. It’s not clear if these three were on Moana’s island or if she met them on her journey.
The Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced today that “Moana 2,” Disney Animation’s all-new feature-length sequel to 2016’s Oscar-nominated film, will be released in theaters in 2024. “Moana remains an incredibly popular franchise,” said Iger, “and we can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when ‘Moana 2’ comes to theaters this November.”
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. 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, “Moana 2” opens in theaters on Nov. 27, 2024.
