Moana 2, the much-anticipated sequel to Disney’s animated hit, has officially hit theaters, and it appears to be making waves, both at the box office and among fans. Released on November 27, 2024, this film has outdone expectations, becoming the latest addition to the Disney franchise and has already crossed the $1 billion mark globally, entering the top 50 highest-grossing films of all time.
The sequel picks up three years after the adventures of Moana and recounts her new quest fueled by her destiny. Voice actress Auli’i Cravalho returns to reprise her role as Moana, alongside Dwayne Johnson as the demigod Maui. Cravalho expressed her excitement about the expansion of the "Moana" universe during her recent appearance at the SAG Awards. She remarked, "It feels like the ‘Moana’ universe is really growing, and I love it." According to Disney, Moana will take her crew of unlikely seafarers on perilous new quests across the oceans.
Unlike its predecessor, which was celebrated for its catchy tunes written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the sequel has novel music by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, but some fans are already noting the absence of Miranda's upbeat songwriting. The original Moana became renowned for its soundtrack featuring hits like "How Far I’ll Go" and "You’re Welcome," and there is speculation whether the new songs can resonate similarly with audiences.
The directing team also saw changes, with newcomers Dave Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller at the helm instead of the original directors, John Musker and Ron Clements. Adaptations like this can often elicit mixed reactions among fans, stirring debates on whether the alterations positively or negatively impact the film's narrative charm.
Critics have mixed feelings about the sequel, pointing out its reliance on familiar narrative frameworks, as remarked by John Serba, who said, "Moana 2 is likable, diverting, and reasonably entertaining, but derivative." He also humorously noted the excessive cheeky humor related to mucus which seemed prevalent throughout the film's arc. Despite such critiques, he acknowledged its visual brilliance, stating, "The animation is gorgeous, the characters, creatures, and settings rendered with depth, color, and admirable creativity."
The film’s marketing has also played a significant role, not just within theater walls but extending to outside partnerships. Special promotions, such as the Ono Keiki Meal launched by Ono Hawaiian BBQ, aimed to tie healthy eating to the fun atmosphere of the upcoming Disney film and has generated buzz among parents and children alike.
While the film thrives on its theatrical release, Disney is following its tradition of carefully timed streaming options. Fans eager to watch the sequel at home may need to wait until February 2025 for its debut on Disney+ after its theatrical run. This timeline fits within Disney’s established patterns of releasing films on their streaming platform three months after the initial release.
Fans can look forward to exploring new territories alongside Moana and Maui. The sequel promises not only nostalgia from the original 2016 film but also the thrill of new adventures within the beloved Polynesian mythology backdrop. With excitement still brewing for Moana 2, Disney appears poised to capitalize on the success by keeping the franchise buzzing with life.
Moana 2 also continues the conversation about representation within animation, with Cravalho highlighting the importance of casting authenticity, especially as she navigates her role as both voice actress and producer for the live-action remake of Moana currently underway. "I believe it is absolutely important to accurately representing the characters and stories we want to tell," she shared recently, emphasizing the changing scenery of animated storytelling.
Box office performances indicate strong family-oriented attendance and positive word-of-mouth, leading many to wonder how long Moana's adventures will continue as Disney eyes potential spinoffs or additional sequels. “Moana 2 is now available to rent or purchase on Prime Video and other video-on-demand platforms, catering to the ever-expanding appetite for Disney content across multiple formats. Disney’s calculated market strategies are having clear effects as we observe the franchise expand rapidly and continue captivating audiences worldwide,” summed up one critic descriptor.
Overall, as audiences ride the waves of 2024 and beyond, Moana 2 is likely to remain at the forefront of family discussions, whether sparking nostalgia or fostering devotion to this animated classic as it evolves and grows across generations.