The winds have shifted, and a new voyage is on the horizon for Moana. Disney has released the first trailer for the highly-anticipated animated sequel Moana 2, reuniting Auli’i Cravalho as the voice of Moana and Dwayne Johnson as the demi-god Maui. The teaser gives fans a glimpse into the next epic oceanic journey coming to theaters on November 29th.
The trailer opens with Moana narrating about receiving “a call from our ancestors to sail to new skies and reconnect our people across the entire ocean.” Three years after the events of the first film, she is setting out once again, this time with an entire crew of “unlikely seafarers” joining her and Maui. While plot details are still largely under wraps, the preview promises an expansive new adventure filled with stunning visuals and thrilling action.
The sweeping ocean imagery is breathtaking, showcasing the incredible advances in water animation since the 2016 original. One particularly striking shot has Moana floating in front of an enormous whale shark. Her beloved animal companions Heihei the rooster and Pua the pig also make appearances, with Pua joining the crew this time around after being left behind previously.
In a funny meta-reference, the trailer ends with Maui making a grand re-entrance, swinging onto Moana’s boat while quipping “Why didn’t you bring the pig last time?” It’s a cheeky nod both to the first film’s story as well as responding to fans who questioned Pua’s absence on the initial journey.
Moana 2 is directed and written by David G. Derrick Jr., who originally developed the project as a television series before it was re-conceived as a theatrical sequel film. It will also feature new songs by the musical duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. Disney previously released the first official poster highlighting Maui’s iconic fish hook against an ocean backdrop with Moana in the distance.
The 2016 Moana was a massive critical and commercial hit, grossing $687 million worldwide and earning two Oscar nominations. The story of a young woman sailing across the Pacific to save her island struck a chord, with both its mythology-inspired story and breathtaking animation.
In addition to Moana 2, Disney is also developing a live-action remake of the original from director Thomas Kail, starring Dwayne Johnson and set for release on July 10, 2026. Johnson is heavily involved with both film franchises.
With its lush visuals and beloved characters, Moana 2 is shaping up to be one of Disney’s most anticipated upcoming releases. The trailer has anchored high expectations for another marvelous voyage when it hits theaters this November.