Fans of Disney’s 2016 animated hit Moana were captivated by the vibrant world, compelling characters, and empowering story it brought to life. The movie followed Moana, a fearless Polynesian girl chosen by the ocean to save her people, on an epic quest alongside the larger-than-life demigod Maui. Its release was met with massive success, earning critical acclaim, an Academy Award nomination, and over $680 million at the global box office.
Now audiences are buzzing with anticipation for Moana’s next adventure in Moana 2. Here’s everything we know so far—and what we hope to see in the sequel.
Will There Be a Moana 2?
Disney has yet to confirm a sequel to Moana, but fans remain hopeful. The original movie’s resonance with viewers and its strong box office performance make the possibility of Moana 2 promising. Adding to the excitement, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who voiced Maui, has publicly expressed his interest in reprising his role, hinting at a potential reunion of the beloved characters.
Disney tends to revisit successful properties. Given the franchise’s enormous popularity, as well as the cultural significance of its storyline rooted in Polynesian heritage, the sequel feels inevitable. However, until officially announced, Moana 2’s status remains in the hands of Disney creators.
What Could Moana 2 Be About?
While there’s no official word on the plot just yet, the possibilities for Moana’s next adventure are endless. At the end of the first film, Moana returns to Motunui, having restored the heart of Te Fiti and reunited her people with their voyaging roots. A sequel could expand on her new role as a leader while exploring further uncharted waters. Moana’s connection to nature, adventure, and her people’s heritage offers numerous ways to build on her story.
Fans are also curious to see what lies ahead for Maui. His character, filled with humor and heart, went through a significant transformation in the first movie. Will Moana 2 explore more of his backstory or present challenges that reignite his character’s complexity? The possibilities are exciting and endless.
Why Fans Want A Sequel
The original Moana excelled in weaving cultural authenticity with an entertaining story, showcasing Polynesian myths, traditions, and music to a global audience. It resonated especially with communities in Oceania, who praised its depiction of their heritage. A sequel would give creators an opportunity to expand on this foundation, offering even richer storytelling elements and cultural representation.
Additionally, Moana’s character represents a role model for young audiences—courageous, resilient, and driven by a desire to do good. Her story inspires many who see parts of themselves in her character. Revisiting her world in Moana 2 would rekindle that connection for both the young and the young at heart.
When Will We Know More?
While Disney hasn’t made any official announcements about Moana 2, fans are eagerly waiting for updates. Given the success of sequels like Frozen 2 and Zootopia Plus, many are hopeful that Disney will soon greenlight Moana’s return to the big screen—or perhaps debut a continuation of the story on their streaming service, Disney+.
For now, all we can do is keep our fingers crossed and hope Disney releases an update soon. Until then, there’s no better time to rewatch Moana’s first adventure and get swept up in its magic all over again.