Disney Announces Surprise Moana Sequel for Theatrical Release
Disney has made a surprising announcement that a sequel to the hit film Moana will be released in theaters later this year. The original film, which tells the story of a brave Polynesian girl on a mission to save her people, was a massive success in 2016. Initially, a sequel was planned as a Disney+ series, but the company has now decided to bring it to the big screen due to a series of underwhelming performances by their recent films.
The release of the Moana sequel is set to coincide with the highly anticipated first installment of the Wicked film series, both scheduled for release on November 27th. To tease fans, Disney has released a short trailer featuring Moana standing on a beach and blowing into a shell, hinting at the exciting new adventure that awaits.
According to the description provided by Disney, the new film will take audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui, and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving a call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana embarks on a dangerous journey into long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever faced before.
One notable change for the sequel is that Lin-Manuel Miranda, who received an Oscar nomination for his work on the original film’s music, will not be involved in creating the music this time. Instead, the music will be composed by four talented individuals, including songwriting duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, who gained fame in 2022 for creating an unofficial Bridgerton musical on TikTok.
Disney’s chief executive, Bob Iger, revealed that the original Moana was the most streamed movie of 2023 on any platform in the US. Speaking about the sequel, he expressed his excitement, stating, “This was originally developed as a series, but we were impressed with what we saw, and we knew it deserved a theatrical release.” Iger also mentioned that a live-action version of the original film is currently in development, with Dwayne Johnson set to reprise his role as the charismatic demi-God Maui.
The announcement of Moana 2 comes as a surprise, as movie studios typically plan their schedules years in advance. This move indicates that Disney is still committed to generating successes at the box office, rather than solely focusing on streaming platforms. The company’s recent films, Wish and Strange World, both original stories, failed to meet expectations at the box office. As a result, Disney is now shifting its focus towards sequels and franchises.
In addition to the Moana sequel, Disney has faced other box office disappointments in 2023, including The Marvels and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. However, the company is determined to bounce back and has recently announced that Taylor Swift’s Eras tour concert film will be released on Disney+. Furthermore, Disney is making a significant investment by acquiring a $1.5 billion stake in Epic Games, the creator of the popular video game Fortnite.
Fans of Moana can look forward to another thrilling adventure with their favorite characters when the sequel hits theaters later this year. With a new crew of seafarers and dangerous waters to explore, Moana’s journey promises to be an unforgettable experience. As Disney continues to prioritize theatrical releases and invest in exciting projects, audiences can expect more magical moments on the big screen in the years to come.