Yahoo News ‘Moana 2’ Makes Splash With First Trailer
Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho are back in action with the first trailer for Disney’s sequel movie Moana 2.
David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller directed the animated feature that is set to hit theaters Nov. 27. The film centers on Moana (Cravalho) heading out on an unexpected adventure in long-lost waters after receiving a call from her trailblazing ancestors. Johnson reprises his role as demigod Maui.
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“This is a call from the ancestors to sail to new skies and reconnect our people across the entire ocean,” Moana says in the trailer as the adventure is teased.
The project was originally developed as a television series before being reworked as a theatrical sequel. Featuring new songs from Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Moana 2 counts Christina Chen and Yvett Merino as producers.
Disney is also behind a live-action Moana remake from director Thomas Kail. That film is set to star Johnson and has been scheduled for release on July 10, 2026.
The original Moana hit theaters in 2016 and collected more than $687 million worldwide, along with picking up two Oscar nominations.
Johnson took the stage at CinemaCon in Las Vegas last month to help debut footage from Moana 2. “Playing the character of Maui is one of the most life-changing life experiences for me — and life-changing roles,” Johnson said at the time.
The star also explained why the role was a particularly special one for him. “It’s my culture — you guys can see I wear it on my chest, my body, my tattoo, and also the character of Maui was inspired from my grandfather, the high chief, Peter Maivia,” Johnson added. “It’s so much deeper than a movie to me, and I know it’s deeper for Disney, too.”
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