‘Moana 2’ Is Happening In November, Disney’s Bob Iger Says
Disney Boss Bob Iger announced today that Moana 2 is coming out as a feature — this November. Iger exclaimed the news in a CNBC interview before the studio’s Q1 earnings on how the studio was turning a Moana TV series into a feature sequel. This despite the fact that a live-action version with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role of Maui from the original 2016 film is also planned for a theatrical release on June 27, 2025.
Note, Disney books the Thanksgiving five-day Wednesday-Sunday stretch with an animated movie annually. It always had a November 27 release date set for a toon feature.
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“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.”
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Part 2 will take 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.
The sequel is 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.
No word if Johnson is returning as the voice of Maui.
Why more Moana? The 2016, 2x Oscar nominated animated movie which racked up over $687M at the global box office remains a must-watch hit on Disney+. Iger today on the Q1 call said the movie was the most watched in 2023; with over billion hours watched. At a time when Disney is looking to recalibrate itself at the box office with qualitative franchises after misfires such as the original feature toon Wish, Marvel Studios’ The Marvels and Lucasfilm’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, more Moana is a safe bet for the House of Mouse.
Moana was directed by Ron Clements, John Musker and Don Hall. The original pic follows a young girl whose island is struck by a terrible curse incurred by the demigod Maui. She answers to set things right, ultimately finding Maui.
Moana was nominated for Best Animated Feature and the Lin-Manuel Miranda penned song “How Far I’ll Go” at the Oscars.
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