When it comes to sequels, no one can do ’em better than Disney. Just look at Toy Story 2 (through soon-to-be Toy Story 5). Or Finding Dory. Or Monsters University?! So it makes sense that the anticipation is through the roof for Moana 2, which was announced in February, right on the heels of the live-action Moana also in the works. And while a teaser trailer in May stoked fans’ excitement about this animated follow-up, we haven’t had much else to go on — until now.
During the annual D23 fan expo, Disney released the first official, full-length trailer for Moana 2. Fittingly, Dwayne Johnson (aka the voice of demigod Maui) took the stage to introduce the new trailer, promising “Moana and Maui’s most exciting adventure yet.”
Aside from the teaser trailer, this is the first time we’ve seen footage from the movie outside of the *very short* preview that dropped in February, courtesy of the official Walt Disney Animation Studios TikTok account. Between the bellow of Maui and the unveiling of the actual release date (yes, really!), the sneak-attack reel generated a lot of buzz.
But what else is lurking just under the surface? Watch the new trailer below, and catch up on everything we know so far about this long-awaited sequel.
Where can I watch the official Moana 2 trailer?
Right here! Set three years after the events in the original film, the sequel sees Moana get a new call from her ancestors to explore what’s beyond Motunui’s shores. This time, she and her friends are headed back out to sea on a voyage in search of the lost island of Motufetu. This go-round will also reveal Moana’s bond with her little sister, 3-year-old Simea.
When does Moana 2 release?
Fans have something to be extra grateful for heading into the holidays this year — Moana 2 hits theaters on Nov. 27, 2024, just one day ahead of Thanksgiving.
While that means you probably won’t be able to buy a DVD to put under the tree, you’ll be able to see it in theaters throughout the holiday season and likely stream it on demand on Disney+ soon after that.
Who will star in Moana 2?
Happily, Auli’i Cravalho, who originally voiced Moana, will return for the sequel, along with Johnson, who will reprise his role as the charismatic-albeit-conceited Maui. Also returning will be Alan Tudyk (Hei Hei), Rachel House (Grandma Tala), Temuera Morrison (Moana’s dad, Chief Tui), and Nicole Scherzinger (Moana’s mom, Sina). Newcomers include Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Moana’s little sister.
And don’t worry: Pua, Moana’s adorable pig sidekick, will be back, too.
Unfortunately, the film’s original composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda, isn’t expected to write music for the sequel. Moana 2’s music team lists Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina. While the soundtrack surely rests in capable hands (and voices), here’s hoping for another announcement regarding Miranda’s return.
What will Moana 2 be about?
The line where the sky meets the sea? It’s calling again.
Per the official Disney release, Moana 2 “takes 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.”
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