Take to the waves again this winter in Disney's sumptuous-looking Moana 2. It's the sequel to the studio's runaway 2016 blockbuster Moana, set to reunite us with a host of favourite characters as it spins more breathless and beautiful Polynesian mythology. Plus, we can expect some top tunes to match.
Here's everything we know so far about Moana 2.
Where can we watch the trailer for Moana 2?
Watch the Moana 2 trailer below.
What is the story of Moana 2?
As the trailer implies, Moana (voiced once again by Auli'i Cravalho) must embark on another epic ocean-going voyage beyond the boundaries of Oceania to protect her ancestral legacy. There she faces a dangerous challenge unlike anything she's faced before.
Is Dwayne Johnson back as Maui in Moana 2?
Yes, Dwayne Johnson returns to voice the endearingly goofy demi-god Maui. The character stole the show in the first film with his rendition of 'You're Welcome' and we're waiting with baited breath as to what he'll get up to in the sequel.
"It's very exciting," Johnson said (via ET Online). "I can't wait for fans to see the film, the technology, the effects, cutting edge. We all really went for it. We thought if we're gonna make a sequel to something so beloved, let's really go for it.
"You also have the benefit and the beauty of the ocean. In Moana... the ocean is alive, so when the ocean has a heartbeat and a pulse, that's just a whole different thing. I can't wait. All new music, which we're excited about."
What other Moana characters are in Moana 2?
Going by the trailer, we'll be reunited with gormless and loveable chicken Hei-Hei, voiced by Disney veteran Alan Tudyk (Frozen; Wish). Aside from that? Unknown at this stage.
Is Lin-Manuel Miranda writing the songs for Moana 2?
Lin-Manuel Miranda isn't writing the songs for Moana 2. Instead, songwriting duties have fallen to Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. Barlow is famous for her Grammy award-winning album The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical, based on the hit period drama of the same name and on which Bear served as co-writer and producer.
Noted composer Mark Mancina will be returning to compose another evocative score, this time uniting with Samoan composer Opetaia Foaʻi.
Will there be a live-action Moana movie?
Yes, the live-action Moana remake is due for release on July 10th, 2026. Johnson will be playing Maui in live-action form although Auli'i Cravalho won't be reprising the role of Moana. Johnson confirmed that Lin-Manuel Miranda will be writing the songs for the film.
“This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength,” explained Johnson who doubles up as a producer and creative lead on the project.
“I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me.”
When is Moana 2 released in the UK?
Moana 2 is released on November 29th. If that seems too far away, click the link below and discover the family films headed your way soon.