Surprise! A sequel to Moana is not just in the works—it’s coming to theaters later this year. What was originally intended to be a Moana series has been transformed into Moana 2, on account of Disney boss Bob Iger “was impressed with the footage,” according to Variety.
I said “surprise,” but a Disney sequel is never really a surprise, is it? It’s just somewhat surprising how soon this one will be here; it’s set for release on November 27th. Here’s the 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.
Variety notes that Auliʻi Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, is expected to return for Moana 2. At the end of the tiny teaser released for the film, you can briefly head Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, voicing his character’s signature call. The sequel is directed by Dave Derrick Jr., who was a story artist on the first Moana. Its music will be provided by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, along with Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina.
Moana 2 is not to be confused with the also-in-the-works live-action “reimagining” of Moana, which was announced last year and which will definitely feature Johnson as Maui. Cravalho, who’s now in her twenties, will not star in that film, but is an executive producer on it.
