"Moana 2" Trailer Is Here

Disney released Friday the official trailer for the long-awaited animated sequel to 2016's “Moana”.

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

Temuera Morrison as Tui, Nicole Scherzinger as his Sina, Rose Matafeo as Loto, David Fane as Kele, Hualālai Chung as Moni, and Alan Tudyk as Heihei.

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.

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

“Moana 2” is set sail for theaters on November 27.