Released in 2016, Disney's Moana was a big hit with families everywhere. In fact, it was recently revealed that Moana had been streamed for more than 1bn minutes on Disney+ in 2023 alone. So we were thrilled to hear the film will be getting a sequel and there's not as long to wait as you might think...
When is the Moana 2 release date?
The new Moana 2 will be released on 27 November 2024. Yep, this year! Disney says it's set to be an "expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers".
Cast for Moana 2
It's not yet been shared exactly who will be appearing in Moana 2 but from the description, we can expect Auli'i Cravalho to return as the voice of Moana and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to be back as Maui.
We're also hoping for the return of Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui (Moana's father), Nicole Scherzinger as Sina (Moana's mother), Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa and Alan Tudyk as Heihei (the rooster) for the second film.
Creatively, Dave Derrick Jr, who was a story board artist for the original film, will direct Moana 2 with Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina writing the songs we'll all no doubt be obsessed with by the end of the year. Foa’i and Mancina originally worked on the first film’s songs with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton's creator.
Moana 2 plot
Disney has shared the following about the Moana 2 plot: "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."
Here's a reminder of the first film...
Moana, chosen by the ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti, sets sail across the vast Pacific Ocean to find the demigod Maui and make him return the heart he stole, which caused environmental imbalance and darkness. Along the way, Moana faces numerous challenges, discovers her true identity as a wayfinder, and learns about her people's seafaring heritage.
Moana's determination, along with her connection to the ocean and the wisdom of her grandmother, guides her on a heroic journey to save her people and restore the natural order. Throughout the adventure, Moana and Maui develop a unique bond, and together, they confront various obstacles, including a giant crab named Tamatoa and the fiery lava demon Te Kā.
In the end, Moana successfully returns the heart of Te Fiti, bringing life back to the ocean and her island. The film celebrates Polynesian culture, mythology, and the importance of embracing our identity and heritage.
Moana 2 trailer
While we'll be waiting a while for a full trailer, you can watch a first look on YouTube We'll be sure to keep you updated when the trailer drops.
Moana live action
Interestingly, a live-action remake of Moana is also set to be released in 2025. Just like the animated original, Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson will appear as the demigod Maui. It has not been confirmed who will play the role of Moana in the live-action film, but the original voice actor Auli’i Cravalho has said she she won’t be the one playing the role.
A journalist since 2015, Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for seven years. Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.