Walt Disney Animation Studios' latest release, Moana 2, takes audiences on another expansive voyage, reuniting beloved characters Moana (voiced by Auli'i Cravalho) and Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) for new adventures three years later. The film explores themes of growth, courage, and cultural heritage, as Moana receives unexpected guidance from her wayfinding ancestors, leading her on a risky quest through the treacherous, long-lost waters of Oceania.
Initially conceived as a multi-part series for Disney+, the story evolved dramatically. Directing team David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller faced the challenge of transforming it for the big screen without losing the essence of Moana's spirit. The gamble paid off handsomely, with the film grossing over $1 billion worldwide, making it the year’s third most successful film, following Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine.
At the heart of Moana 2 is Moana's evolution, as she steps confidently toward her destiny, culminating in her ascension to demigod status. "It means a lot of things. We set out to tell a story aboutongoing evolution and growth," Derrick Jr. explained. The film captures both the internal and external challenges faced by Moana as she navigates her new role, asserting herself not just as protector of her island, but as a dynamic figure able to evoke change across the sea.
The addition of the character Simea, Moana’s little sister, enriches the narrative. Inspired by Derrick Jr.'s own family experiences, Simea’s storyline draws from personal moments of growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Derrick Jr. reflected on his children’s relationships. He shared, "...we started crafting the story...I would talk to Jason about the relationship between my daughter and my son, and they did everything together. They were inseparable." This heartfelt foundation adds depth to Moana's emotional stakes, making her struggles resonate at home.
Woven throughout the film, the standout song, "Can I Get A Chee Hoo?", serves not only as entertainment but also as a vehicle for character development. Hand noted, "It was so much fun. Like you said, we wanted to really sort of do a calling card to 'You're Welcome' and really push it forward." This upbeat number invites audiences along on Moana’s transformational path as she learns the importance of uplifting others—a defining theme for her character. The mutual growth between Moana and Maui symbolizes the power of collaboration on their journeys, highlighting Maui’s supportive role as he helps guide Moana toward greatness.
Significantly, the film's mid-credits scene hints at even more to come, leaving audiences eager for future developments. "We were always playing around with different versions of [that scene]," Derrick Jr. mentioned, reflecting the anticipation for more stories to be told within this world. Completely immersing viewers, the plot captures Moana's struggles against new villains threatening her island's very existence, and it serves as a catalyst for her development.
Fans are encouraged to watch for Easter eggs, including magical callbacks to Disney classics. Derrick Jr. pointed out, "If you look, when Kele is throwing things out of the canoe, you'll see something very familiar," referring to the dinglehopper from The Little Mermaid. Such details reward attentive viewers, and eagle-eyed fans can also spot connections to future releases, like the cameo of Gary, the snake from the upcoming Zootopia 2.
Now streaming on Disney+ as of March 12, 2025, Moana 2 invites audiences to experience its emotional weight and visual spectacle from the comfort of their homes. Available for purchase on digital platforms, the film will also be released on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on March 18, 2025, promising to deliver high-quality viewing experiences.
The overwhelming success of Moana 2 speaks volumes about its relevance and the powerful connections audiences forge to its themes. Derrick Jr. and Hand expressed their gratitude, with Hand stating, "It's so exciting...to see the thirst for these characters,” indicating fertile ground for potential sequels. Their collaborative approach, along with the immense talent involved, positioned Moana 2 not just as a sequel, but as a celebration of storytelling, culture, and familial bonds, capturing the true spirit of Disney animation.