Moana 2: The Return of Moana and Maui in the New Disney Classic
Disney has finally revealed the new official trailer for Oceania 2 during the highly anticipated D23 Expo, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the release of the 63rd Disney Classic, scheduled for November 2024. This sequel brings the beloved characters of Moana and Maui back to the big screen, ready to embark on a new epic journey through the seas of Oceania.
A Return Has Been Awaited For Years
Three years after the events of the first film, Moana receives an unexpected call from her explorer ancestors. This signal pushes her to set off on a new adventure towards distant and dangerous seas, where she will have to face new challenges and solve an ancient mystery linked to a hidden island that could break a curse that threatens all of Oceania. Alongside her, once again, we find the demigod Maui, along with a group of new traveling companions, each with their own unique abilities.
The Production of Oceania 2
Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, Oceania 2 was initially conceived as a television series for Disney+, before being reworked into a big-screen film. This change was confirmed in February 2024, when the project was officially made into a feature film. The film's production was handled by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, who worked to continue the legacy of the first film.
The film's animation was done at Walt Disney Animation Studios in Vancouver, while pre-production and storyboarding were developed at the Burbank studio. This combination of forces made it possible to maintain the visual quality that characterized the first film, integrating it with new technologies and animation techniques.
A Stellar Cast and an Excellent Soundtrack
The original cast returns with Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui. Alongside them, we find Temuera Morrison and Nicole Scherzinger as Moana's parents, while new voices join the group, including Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda in the role of Simea, Moana's little sister.
The soundtrack of Oceania 2 promises to be just as memorable as the first film, with the return of Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa'i, joined by the talented Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, who replace Lin-Manuel Miranda for the composition of the new songs.
A Promotion that Plays on the Nostalgic and the New
The first trailer of Oceania 2 was released on May 29, 2024, immediately causing great excitement among fans. A preview of the film was later screened at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, where it received a warm reception.
With a release scheduled for November 27, 2024, Oceania 2 is preparing to become one of the most anticipated films of the year, promising to offer a new adventure full of emotions, action and the magic that only Disney can create. Not only fans of the first film, but also a new generation of spectators, will be able to immerse themselves in this fascinating world full of myths and legends.
Looking to the Future: The Live-Action Remake Coming Soon
For hardcore fans, the story won't end here. In fact, the live-action remake of is also expected to arrive in 2026 Moana, which will once again bring Moana and Maui to the big screen, this time in a live-action version. This project represents a further step in Disney's strategy of revisiting its animated classics through a new lens, keeping the magic of the original stories alive.
In conclusion, Oceania 2 not only promises to be a worthy successor to the original film, but also to further enrich the Moana universe with new stories, unforgettable characters and a soundtrack that will make audiences of all ages dream. All that remains is to mark the date on the calendar and prepare for a new journey to the enchanted seas of Oceania.
Oceania 2 Technical Sheet
- Original title: moana 2
- Original language: English
- Country of Production: United States of America
- Year: 2024
- Gender: Animation, Comedy
- Directed by: Dave G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller
- Film script: Jared Bush, Dana Ledoux Miller
- Producer: Christina Chen, Yvett Merino
- Executive producer: J
- Production house: Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios
- Distribution in Italian: The Walt Disney Company Italy
- Music: Mark Mancina, Opetaia Foa'i, Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear (songs)
- art director: Tamara Lusher
Original voice actors:
- Auliʻi Cravalho: Vaiana Waialiki
- Dwayne Johnson: Maui
- Alan Tudyk: Hey hey
- Temuera Morrison: tui waialiki
- Nicole Scherzinger: Sina
- Rachel House: Grandma Tala
- Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda: Simea
- Rose Matafeo: Lotto
- David Fane: Call
- Hualālai Chung: Moni
- Awhimai Fraser: Matangi
- Gerald Ramsey: Tautai Vasa