A 'Moana' sequel is coming this fall. Here's everything we know so far.-InfoExpress
It is the moment we've all been waiting for, yet didn't see coming.
Moana Waialiki of Motunui is returning to the big screen for "an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced," Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger announced Wednesday.
First developed as a TV series, the plot grew into a film because of the demand for "more," Iger shared. The "Moana" franchise remains an "incredibly popular," Iger said, so this November, fans will get what they've been waiting for.
Here's everything we know so far about "Moana 2."
'Moana 2' release date
"Moana 2" will hit theaters the day before Thanksgiving on Nov. 27, 2024, Iger announced.
'Moana 2' teaser trailer
An official trailer has not been released for the sequel, but a teaser dropped Wednesday announcing Moana's return and giving fans a date to circle on the calendar.
'Moana 2' plot
Not a lot has been revealed about the plot of "Moana 2," but we know that fans are in for a wild ride.
"Moana 2" will be an "expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers," Iger said.
Moana will head out on a dangerous mission to the far seas after receiving daring instruction from her ancestors.
Lin Manuel Miranda not returning for 'Moana 2'
Composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose work on the first film's soundtrack was nominated for two Academy Awards, will not be working on the 'Moana 2' soundtrack, according to Variety.
USA TODAY has reached out to Disney for more information.
"Moana" wouldn't be "Moana" without songs "How Far I'll Go" and "You're Welcome." Fans wonder if the sequel will have the same magic.
"For all of the hate he gets, Lin writes a mean freaking soundtrack and ESPECIALLY delivered with Moana so this would be such a shame," one X user wrote, with fans in the comments saying, "then we will not be watching."
Singer/songwriter Abigail Barlow and composer Emily Bear will join Opetaia Foa'i and Mark Mancina, who worked on the first film, to compose the music for the sequel, according to Variety.
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'Moana 2' cast and crew
“Moana 2” was directed by Dave Derrick Jr. and will feature music by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Mark Mancina, and Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i.
No details have been released about the voice actors, but Auli’i Cravalho will be returning for the sequel to voice Moana.
'Moana' success, sequel not the same as the live action
The first film was a great success. Disney expects the same for the sequel. "Moana" generated more than $680 million at the box office, Iger shared. "Moana 2" may be the thing to boost Disney after a tough box office year.
Moana was streamed over 1 billion hours last year on Disney+ as well, Iger said.
USA TODAY film critic Brian Truitt praised the animated comedy's music and the "refreshing" title character Moana in his review.
"The 'Hamilton' creator (Miranda) and the island personalities of 'Moana' make beautiful music together in this charming seafaring epic," Truitt wrote.
Keep in mind that “Moana 2” is separate from the studio’s live-action remake, which is still in the works featuring Dwayne Johnson as the tattooed demigod Maui. Cravalho will not be in the live action.
Contributing: Associated Press