Disney fans around the world are in for a treat as the entertainment giant has just announced a surprise sequel to its beloved animated musical film, Moana. The highly anticipated Moana 2 is set to hit cinemas this November, much to the delight of fans who have been eagerly awaiting more adventures with their favorite characters.
During an earnings call on Wednesday, Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed that Moana 2 was initially developed as a TV series. However, after witnessing the immense popularity of the original film, which has been streamed for over 1 billion minutes on Disney+ in 2023 alone, the decision was made to give Moana 2 a well-deserved theatrical release.
Set in the enchanting world of Polynesia, Moana takes viewers on a thrilling journey alongside the teenage heroine, Moana, and the demigod Maui, as they embark on a daring quest to save their people. The first film was a massive success, grossing an impressive $643 million worldwide and receiving two Academy Award nominations.
Dave Derrick Jr, who previously worked as a storyboard artist on the original film, will be taking the director’s seat for Moana 2. The talented team of Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina will once again be responsible for creating the film’s captivating songs. Foa’i and Mancina previously collaborated with Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, on the first film’s memorable soundtrack.
According to Disney, Moana 2 will take audiences on an “expansive new voyage” alongside Moana, Maui, and a fresh crew of unlikely seafarers. The film’s description promises an adventure like no other as Moana receives a call from her wayfinding ancestors and embarks on a perilous journey into uncharted waters.
What makes this announcement even more exciting is the fact that a live-action remake of Moana is also in the works, set to be released in 2025. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who lent his voice to the demigod Maui in the original film, will reprise his role in the live-action adaptation. However, the casting for the role of Moana is yet to be announced, with Auli’i Cravalho, the original voice actor, confirming that she will not be taking on the role in the live-action version.
In addition to the Moana news, Bob Iger also revealed during the earnings call that Disney+ has secured the streaming rights for Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. Fans can look forward to enjoying this exclusive concert experience on the platform starting from March 15th. The Disney+ version will feature five songs that were not included in the theatrical or video-on-demand releases, making it a must-watch for Swifties everywhere.
Furthermore, Disney is making waves in the gaming industry with a significant investment of $1.5 billion in Epic Games, the studio behind the immensely popular video game Fortnite. This partnership aims to create a new “games and entertainment universe,” bringing together beloved characters from Disney’s vast array of intellectual properties, including Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and Avatar. Fans can expect to see their favorite characters make appearances in Fortnite and other Epic Games projects.
With all these exciting developments on the horizon, Disney fans have plenty to look forward to. From the highly anticipated release of Moana 2 to exclusive streaming content on Disney+ and groundbreaking collaborations in the gaming world, Disney continues to captivate audiences with its magical storytelling and innovative ventures. Get ready for an unforgettable journey with Moana and her new crew as they set sail once again, taking us on an adventure unlike anything we’ve ever experienced before.
