'Moana 2' release date announced

Disney has exciting news for fans of "Moana" as they have announced a sequel to the beloved film, set to hit theaters on November 27.

Bob Iger, Disney's CEO, revealed the news during an appearance on CNBC ahead of the company's first-quarter fiscal 2024 earnings report. Originally planned as a television series, the decision to turn the sequel into a feature film came after Iger was impressed by the footage.

" 'Moana' remains an incredibly popular franchise," Iger expressed in a statement. "We can't wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when 'Moana 2' sails into theaters this November."


According to Disney, "Moana 2" will embark on an "expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui, and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers." The plot will follow Moana as she responds to an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, leading her into uncharted waters and perilous adventures.

Directed by Dave Derrick Jr., the sequel will feature music from Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foa'i, and Mark Mancina, who contributed to the original film. While Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of iconic songs like "How Far I'll Go" and "You're Welcome," is not expected to return with new material for the sequel.

"Moana" was a box office hit for Disney, grossing over $680 million worldwide. The animated musical also found success on Disney+ last year, accumulating 1 billion hours of streaming.

The decision to release "Moana 2" in theaters follows Disney's underwhelming box office performance in 2023, with several films failing to meet expectations. Auli'i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original film, is set to reprise her role for the sequel.

However, she will not portray the character in the live-action adaptation but will serve as an executive producer. Cravalho emphasized the importance of accurate casting, expressing her excitement to find the next actress to embody Moana's courageous spirit and emotional depth.