Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho Are In Talks to Return For ‘Moana 2’
For Disney fans, perhaps the most exciting announcement to come out of the company’s earnings call yesterday was the news that Moana 2 is not only in development but will hit theaters this year.
Over seven years after Moana hit theaters, the animated film continues to be one of Disney’s most popular movies.
Photo: Disney
In fact, when last year’s streaming numbers came out, Moana reigned supreme, topping the charts once again.
Now that Moana 2 is officially in development, all eyes have turned to the original film’s stars.
Dwayne Johnson and Auili’i Cravalho Are in Talks to Return
Dwayne Johnson shared a teaser for the sequel on his Instagram yesterday, seeming to indicate that Maui will be returning. Still, according to Deadline, talks have yet to be finalized.
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Auli’i Cravalho, who has portrayed Moana for years, is likewise in talks to return. Reportedly, those discussions are not as far along as Johnson’s.
Moana 2 eventually began development as a Disney+ series. According to Bob Iger, the studio was so blown away by the series that they decided to turn it into a theatrical sequel.
Auli’i Cravalho voice of Moana
The film will now hit theaters on November 27, giving it the coveted Thanksgiving slot. Disney will be looking to rebound in animation following the consecutive bombs that were Strange World and Wish.
What About the Live-Action Moana?
With Moana 2 now firmly set to be released this year, the live-action remake of the original film will likely be delayed.
The film was set to be released on June 27, 2025, with Johnson reprising his role as Maui. Now, the film will be moved to a later date. Interestingly, Disney hasn’t even begun production on the film.
Photo: USA Today
While Cravalho may still return for Moana 2, the actress will not be reprising her role in the live-action remake.
“I’m truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honor our incredible Pacific people’s cultures and communities that help inspire her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representations to come. Mahalo,” Cravalho said.
Photo: Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP
Moana 2 will hit theaters on November 27, 2024.
