Auli'i Cravalho to Return for "Moana 2"

Yara Sameh

Auli’i Cravalho is returning as the voice of Moana in the sequel to 2016's “Moana”.

Meanwhile, Dwayne Johnson is coming back as demigod Maui.

The company’s CEO Bob Iger announced the sequel on CNBC ahead of Disney’s first quarter of fiscal 2024 earnings report.

The second “Moana” was originally developed as a TV series but became a feature film because Iger was impressed with the footage.

“’Moana’ remains an incredibly popular franchise,” Iger said in a statement. “We can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when ‘Moana 2’ comes to theaters this November.”

According to Disney, “Moana 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.”

Dave Derrick Jr. is directing the sequel, with music from the duo of Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, as well as Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina, who worked on the first movie. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome,” isn’t expected to return with new songs for the follow-up.

“Moana” became a success for Disney, generating over $680 million at the box office. The animated musical found renewed life on Disney+ with 1 billion hours streamed last year.

Iger’s decision to put “Moana 2” in theaters follows Disney’s rough 2023 at the box office. Disney Animation’s “Wish” joined a long line of misfires, including “The Marvels,” “Haunted Mansion” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Pixar’s “Elemental” struggled to start but ultimately rebounded with $496 million globally.

“Moana 2” is separate from the studio’s live-action remake, which is currently in the works with Dwayne Johnson back as the tattooed demigod Maui.

Cravalho told fans last May on social media that she wasn’t planning to reprise the role of Moana in the live-action version of the movie.

“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career,” she said in on Instagram back then. “In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.”

Cravalho added: “So, as an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength. I’m truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honor our incredible Pacific peoples cultures and communities that help inspire her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representations to come. Mahalo.”