“Moana 2” Gets Release Date and New Look

Disney announced Wednesday the long-awaited animated sequel to 2016's “Moana” is set sail for theaters on November 27.

The studio has revealed a brand-new image from the movie, showcasing the return of the beloved titular character.

The image features a grown-up Moana sailing across the ocean, followed by what appears to be a giant sea creature. 

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Auli’i Cravalho is returning as the voice of Moana and Dwayne Johnson coming back as the demigod Maui. 

David G. Derrick Jr. directs and writes the film, replacing the veteran duo John Musker and Ron Clements who helmed the first installment. 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.

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.”

“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.