Los Angeles, CA – Disney fans can rejoice as the highly anticipated sequel to the 2016 animated hit “Moana” is set to hit theaters on November 27. The first trailer for “Moana 2” was recently debuted, showcasing familiar characters like Moana and Maui embarking on a new adventure across the sea.
In the teaser, Moana receives a call from her ancestors urging her to “sail to new skies and reconnect our people across the entire ocean.” The stunning visuals in the trailer highlight the sequel’s gorgeous water animation, with Moana floating in front of a whale shark, accompanied by her trusty companions, Heihei and Pua.
Disney surprised fans by announcing the production of “Moana 2” earlier this year, setting it for a theatrical release instead of the original plan for a Disney+ streaming series. The film is directed by Dave Derrick Jr. and takes place three years after the events of the first movie, exploring a new voyage for Moana, Maui, and a brand-new crew.
The success of “Moana 2” is crucial for Disney, especially after the underperformance of recent animated films like “Wish,” “Strange World,” and “Lightyear.” The studio is banking on the sequel to recapture the magic that made the original “Moana” a global hit, grossing $687 million worldwide in 2016.
In addition to “Moana 2,” Disney CEO Bob Iger hinted at a lineup of upcoming animated sequels, including “Inside Out 2,” “Zootopia 2,” “Toy Story 5,” and “Frozen III.” The studio is leaning more towards sequels in the future, aiming to capitalize on the success of beloved franchises.
Fans of the original film can also look forward to a live-action remake of “Moana,” featuring Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui. However, Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated film, will not be playing the title character in the live-action adaptation.
The release of “Moana 2” on Thanksgiving weekend sets up a box office showdown with the highly anticipated musical “Wicked.” Both films are vying for the family audience during the holiday season, promising an exciting competition at the box office.
As the countdown to the release of “Moana 2” continues, Disney enthusiasts can expect an expansive new adventure filled with heartwarming moments, stunning animation, and the beloved characters that captured audiences’ hearts in the original film.