Moana 2, Disney’s new animated blockbuster, has made waves at both the box office and on streaming platforms, continuing to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. Released in theaters on November 27, 2024, the film has achieved phenomenal success, grossing over $1 billion globally within just weeks of its release. Its opening has become the highest in Walt Disney Animation Studios' history and the third highest-grossing animation of all time, surpassing even the original Moana.
Shortly after its theatrical run, Moana 2 became available on Disney+ on March 12, 2025, swiftly climbing the charts. Within five days, it garnered an impressive 27.3 million views, marking a record-setting launch that positioned it as the third-highest launch for a movie on the service. This spectacular debut follows its status as the biggest Thanksgiving weekend opening ever and remains the indeed the best launch for a Disney Animation Studios title since Encanto in late 2021.
The original 2016 release of Moana has been a landmark success in its own right, especially on the Disney+ platform, accounting for 1.4 billion hours streamed since the service's launch. With Moana 2 riding off this legacy, Disney hopes to build on this momentum for future projects. In a move that demonstrates their confidence in the franchise, Disney has hinted at a potential Moana 3 after audiences were left intrigued by a mid-credit scene in Moana 2.
Directors David Derrick Jr. and Jason Hand have successfully returned Moana, voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho, alongside the familiar cast, including Dwayne Johnson as Maui, Temuera Morrison as Tui, and Rachel House as Gramma Tala. With a story that see Moana conducting a wayfinding crew to locate the lost island of Motufetu, the film presents her as a more substantial figure than in the first film, resonating with audiences for its emotional depth.
“There was quite a lot of streamlining that needed to happen. We needed to right-size the story,” remarked co-director Dana Ledoux Miller, reflecting on the transition from planning a series to a full-length feature film. This shift not only changed the scope of the storytelling but also ensured that Moana's character remained at the forefront and relatable for viewers.
Despite Moana 2's overall critical ratings being only 61% on Rotten Tomatoes—lower than its predecessor—the film has been received warmly by audiences, marking a significant box office triumph. It has grown to be the first Disney animated feature to hit the billion-dollar mark since Frozen II in 2019, reaffirming Disney's strength in the animation genre in a challenging cinematic landscape.
In addition to the continuation of Moana's adventures, there is exciting news on the horizon with a live-action remake of the original film, set to premiere in theaters on July 10, 2026. Johnson will reprise his role as Maui, alongside Catherine Laga'aia, who will take on the lead role as Moana. Disney promises this fresh take will differ from its animated origins, opening the door for new storytelling opportunities.
With all this momentum behind Moana, Disney is clearly committed to expanding this beloved franchise, tapping into the nostalgia of original fans while captivating new audiences. As the film enjoys its success on Disney+, the growing interest in a potential third installment has already sparked conversations within the industry about the future of animated storytelling.
As audiences continue to enjoy the enchanting world of Moana, one can’t help but wonder what adventures await her in the future, ensuring that the saga of this spirited island princess remains alive in the heart of Disney fans everywhere.
