Moana 2's release date as original star confirms return

Disney has revealed it has secretly been making Moana 2, and has confirmed a 2024 release date it. You're welcome.

The film is a sequel to the hit 2016 film, which followed young girl Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) as she followed her dreams of being an explorer and embarked on an adventure to retrieve Te Fiti's heart after it was stolen by the demi-god Maui (Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson). Now the follow-up will see Moana and Maui head out on a new adventure across the seas, one that will surely delight fans.

Disney shared first look images on Wednesday, 7 February, as well as new details about the film and here is everything you need to know.

When is Moana 2 being released?

Moana 2 is being released in cinemas on 27 November, 2024. The sequel was originally intended to be a Disney+ TV series, but the project changed into a movie after Disney boss Bob Iger was said to be impressed with the footage.

Read more: All the Disney live-action remakes in development from Snow White to Moana

In a statement, he said: "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."

What is Moana 2 about?

Disney has revealed some details of the plot for the film, which is said to take place three years after the first movie and see Moana receive an unexpected call from her ancestors that leads her to journey across the seas of Oceania on a new adventure.

Heading into dangerous, long-lost waters, Moana and Maui will be joined by other seafarers for a trip that will be unlike anything she's ever faced.

"Moana is on an expansive journey in search of people beyond the shores of Motunui," says Disney's official film description. "Joined by Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced."

Who will star in the cast of Moana 2?

Original Moana star Auli’i Cravalho has confirmed she is returning to voice the title character in Moana 2. The 23-year-old Native Hawaiian landed the role in the original film when she was 14 after being discovered by an agent at a singing competition. In February 2024 she shared on Instagram that she would be "officially returning to Motonui" for the sequel.

Other cast members will likely be revealed closer to the film's release, but fans will be hoping that Dwayne Johnson, Alan Tudyk, Nicole Scherzinger and more will also be back.

Is Lin-Manuel Miranda returning for Moana 2?

Lin-Manuel Miranda helped pen the songs How Far I'll Go and You're Welcome for the 2016 film, but according to Variety the Hamilton songwriter is not set to come back for the sequel or make new songs. He has worked with Disney on multiple occasions, most recently helping write songs for Encanto like the earworm We Don't Talk About Bruno.

The film is being directed by Dave Derrick Jr., and the music is being made by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina, who worked on the first film, are expected to return.

What about the Moana live-action remake?

The Moana live-action film is still in development, but the animated sequel is considered entirely separate to that project. Johnson is reprising his role as Maui in the remake, but Cravalho is not playing Moana again — she is an executive producer on the film and has said she is keen to find the right person to take the role, having outgrown the role of the teenage explorer.

Is there a trailer for Moana 2?

Yes, in the announcement for the sequel Disney shared a first look teaser trailer for the film that showed Moana using a seashell to sound the horn. Maui's laughter could be heard but he does not appear directly in the preview.

A more detailed trailer is expected to be released in the coming months, giving fans a better understanding of what they can expect from the film in November.

Watch the teaser trailer for Moana 2 below:

Moana 2 premieres in cinemas on 27, November 2024.