Moana 2 Is Finally Here! Everything You Need to Know About the Highly Anticipated Sequel

Disney Princess Moana returns to Motunui in Moana 2, marking her first time back since 2016. And one thing is certain: the sequel, slated for a November 27, 2024 release by Walt Disney Animation Studios, promises to be as breathtaking as the original. Keep going for everything we know about Moana 2, including which original cast members are returning.

What is ‘Moana 2’ about?

The plot of Moana 2 is still largely being kept under wraps, but it is expected to follow the island princess after she receives a shocking call from her ancestors to travel to a far-off land called the dangerous long-lost waters of Oceania to try and unite their people. It is set three years after the original and, according to Disney’s CEO Bob Iger, the idea was originally written to be a TV movie, but they “were impressed by what we saw and knew it deserved a theatrical release.”

“Moana remains an incredibly popular franchise, [and] we can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when Moana 2 comes to theaters this November,” Iger concluded.

You can watch the official trailer for Moana 2 below!

Who is in ‘Moana 2’

Hawaii native Auli'i Cravalho returns as Moana in Moana 2, reprising her role as the beloved Disney Princess. She played her in the first film and has since starred in the 2024 musical movie Mean Girls.

"I want to be known as someone who represents my culture everywhere, and so I feel Moana is in the same way that she simply lives in my bones,” the actress said of the Disney animated movie. “The story we are telling you … you have no idea where we are going this time, it's amazing.”

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson returns as Maui in Moana 2, reprising his role as the shape-shifting demi-god.

‘[It was] so much fun becoming Maui again — a character that changed my life in many ways, including [his]being inspired by my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia,” Johnson wrote on Instagram. “The Polynesian cultural significance of the role and our story has touched families around the world and has easily become one of my truest honors to bring to life and share.”

Fan-favorite characters Hei-Hei the chicken and Pua the pig are confirmed to make appearances in Moana 2.

A new character in Moana 2 is Moana's little sister Simea, played by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda.

“She is cute and energetic, so I wanted to be cute and energetic when I was saying my lines,” Lambert-Tsuda said. “Simea is Moana's mini.”

As for what moviegoers can expect from her personality, head animator Kevin Webb explained that "Simea is going to be just as scrappy and fiery as Moana was when she was little. So, we tried to come up with a strong enough personality for her that we could match Moana's energy on screen, which is a really fun alchemy to play with.”

"The relationship between Simea and Moana was the most important thing to try to decode and unravel. So Moana is not only her big sister; she is a guardian and a leader to her. She has this unique relationship where she's the only one who can speak to Simea as a peer and get to the core of her."

As noted, Moana 2 is set for release on November 27, 2024, and fans are eagerly anticipating the return of the beloved Disney Princess. Unfortunately, there is no news on whether/when the live-action Moana will be released.

For more entertainment news, keep scrolling!

‘One Tree Hill’ Reboot Is Happening! Find Out Who’s Coming Back

Katie Holmes and Nina Repeta Have Sweet Reunion at Broadway’s ‘Our Town’

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Romance Highlighted in 2 Upcoming Books