Dwayne Johnson in Talks to Reprise Role as Maui in Moana 2, Auli’i Cravalho’s Return Uncertain
Disney fans around the world were thrilled when Disney CEO Bob Iger announced the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved animated film, Moana. However, there was one crucial detail missing from the announcement – would Dwayne Johnson be returning to reprise his iconic role as the demigod Maui? Luckily, Deadline has learned that the action star is indeed in talks to return, and it’s looking promising. As Maui himself would say, “You’re welcome.”
While Johnson’s return seems likely, the fate of Auli’i Cravalho, the voice behind the courageous Moana, remains uncertain. Sources reveal that the actress is also in talks, but they are not as advanced as Johnson’s negotiations. In fact, Cravalho herself took to social media back in May to announce that she would not be reprising her role in the live-action version of the film.
“I’m truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honor our incredible Pacific people’s cultures and communities that help inspire her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representations to come. Mahalo,” Cravalho wrote at the time.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Cravalho’s involvement, fans can still look forward to an exciting sequel. Iger revealed that the studio was so impressed by the Disney+ series they had in development for Moana that they decided to turn it into a theatrical release. The highly anticipated sequel is set to hit theaters on November 27, a date that Disney holds dear for its Thanksgiving releases.
The sequel will be helmed by director Dave Derrick Jr., with music composed by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. However, one notable absence from Moana 2 is Lin-Manuel Miranda, the mastermind behind the hit musical Hamilton. Miranda was Oscar-nominated for his song “How Far I’ll Go” from the original 2016 film.
While fans eagerly await Moana 2, there is one burning question on everyone’s minds – what will happen to the live-action version of Moana? Not only is Johnson set to star in the film, but he is also producing it under his Seven Bucks label. Unfortunately, it seems that the live-action adaptation will not stick to its original June 27, 2025 release date. In fact, Disney is yet to even begin production on the project.
As of now, Disney and Seven Bucks sources have not responded to requests for comment regarding the live-action version. However, Johnson himself gave fans a playful wink on Instagram today, hinting at the exciting developments surrounding Moana.
With Dwayne Johnson in talks to reprise his role as Maui and the possibility of Auli’i Cravalho returning as Moana, fans can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. The magical world of Moana is set to come alive once again, with new adventures and captivating music. As we eagerly await more news, let’s remember Maui’s words – “You’re welcome.”