Moana 2 is on the horizon, and it’s closer than your toddler asking, "Are we there yet?" three minutes into the car ride. Next month, everyone's favourite ocean princess, Moana (sorry, Ariel), will return to the big screens, and we cannot wait. We have seen a sneak peek of the new movie, and it did not disappoint. So, we are here to spill all of the piping hot tea we know about the new Disney movie that hits cinemas on 29th November.
Unless you have been living down under a rock or in the realm of monsters, like Tamatoa (the singing villainous crab with that spectacular musical number), you'll know that Moana was a big hit with families everywhere when it was released in 2016. In fact, it was recently revealed that Moana had been streamed for more than one billion minutes on Disney+ in 2023 alone.
We were thrilled to hear the film would be getting a sequel, and now that we are learning more about the new movie, we are quite literally counting down the days. We attended a Disney event this month to learn more about the new movie.
What we have exclusively learnt from Disney about Moana 2
In Moana 2, our favourite wayfinder is back, but this time, she's not just navigating the seas—she's managing a crew that's, well... let’s just say they’re a “work in progress.” Three years after her first big adventure, Moana is now stepping into the role of a leader, but when her wayfinder ancestors drop an unexpected SOS, she’s thrust into a new, high-stakes quest. This time, she’s charting dangerous, uncharted waters that make her previous adventure look like a beach day.
Oh, and did we mention Moana's life has changed a lot? She’s now a big sister (because running a whole island isn’t enough of a job, right?), and she’s juggling family duties with her lovable charm intact.
The real news that'll make the kids, and us grown-ups, squeal with joy — fan-favorites Hei Hei and Pua are back! This time, Pua, the adorably chubby pig, isn't sitting on the sidelines either. He’s hitting the high seas alongside Moana, proving that even the cutest pot-bellied pig can be a hero.
When is the Moana 2 release date?
The new Moana 2 will be released on 29 November 2024. Disney says it's set to be an 'expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers'.
Cast for Moana 2
We're delighted that many of our favourites have returned for the sequel, including Auli'i Cravalho, who will return as the voice of Moana, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who will be back as Maui.
We are also excited to see the return of Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui (Moana's father), Nicole Scherzinger as Sina (Moana's mother), Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa and Alan Tudyk as Hei Hei, the rooster, for the second film.
Here's a reminder of the first film...
Moana, chosen by the ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti, sets sail across the vast Pacific Ocean to find the demigod Maui and make him return the heart he stole, which caused an environmental imbalance and darkness. Along the way, Moana faced numerous challenges, discovered her true identity as a wayfinder, and learned about her people's seafaring heritage.
Moana's determination, along with her connection to the ocean and the wisdom of her grandmother, guides her on a heroic journey to save her people and restore the natural order. Throughout the adventure, Moana and Maui develop a unique bond, and together, they confront various obstacles, including a giant crab named Tamatoa and the fiery lava demon Te Kā.
In the end, Moana successfully returns to the heart of Te Fiti, bringing life back to the ocean and her island. The film celebrates Polynesian culture, mythology, and the importance of embracing our identity and heritage.
Moana 2 trailer
We're honestly so excited to see the return of the chief's daughter and clearly so are so many of you, with more than eight million views already on the new movie trailer.
Moana live action
Interestingly, a live-action remake of Moana is also set to be released in 2026. Just like the animated original, Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson will appear as the demigod Maui; however, Catherine Laga'aia will play the role instead of the original voice actor, Auli’i Cravalho.
The Rock recently posted a picture of the live-action cast on his Instagram page, and we were delighted to see that the actors looked very much like the characters in the animation.
The live-action film is due to be released on 10 July 2026.
Hannah Carroll is our Senior Digital Writer. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.