Will Dwayne Johnson and Auli’I Cravalho Reprise Their Roles for Moana 2?
Moana stars Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho are in talks about returning as Maui and Moana in Moana’s sequel. Dwayne is understood to be 100% coming back, but Auli’i’s involvement still needs to be determined.
Initially conceptualized as a live-action remake, Disney announced that the live-action version would hit theaters on November 27, 2024. Dwayne shared the movie’s teaser on his social media account, much to the delight of his 396 million Instagram followers.
Ultimately, however, the live-action project didn’t push through. It was decided that Disney would produce a full-length sequel instead. Before the earnings call last week, Disney CEO Bob Iger said, “Moana remains a top-rated franchise, and we can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when Moana 2 comes to theaters this November.
According to Deadline, Dwayne’s appearance is already set in stone but the same can’t be said for the 23-year-old Auli’i. As of writing, “the jury’s still out” on whether she will continue to provide the voice for the titular character. Recall that back in May last year, the actress stated that she wouldn’t be playing Moana in the live-action project for Disney Plus which was originally supposed to be a TV series.
She said then, “I’m truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honor our incredible Pacific people’s cultures and communities that help inspire her story.”
Auli’i concluded, “And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representations to come. Mahalo.”
Despite the fact that Auli’i will not be playing Moana in the upcoming film, the actress will still be involved in the sequel as an executive producer. One of her responsibilities is to find the new Moana who can lend the role the same “courageous spirit, undeniable wit, and emotional strength.”
The plot of Moana 2 reportedly follows the heroine and Maui on a new adventure, but this time, with a new crew of unlikely seafarers. The description of the upcoming movie reads, “After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.”
Given that negotiations are still ongoing, especially regarding Auli’i’s involvement, Disney may be pushing the November 25 opening date.
The sequel’s director is Dave Derrick Jr. The music will be provided by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina, and Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i. Unfortunately, Lin Manuel Miranda, the songwriter behind Moana’s iconic hits like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome” will not be part of the new movie’s music.
The original Moana from Disney was directed by Ron Clements, Don Hall, and John Musker. The film was a huge and undeniable success, earning $687 million globally during its theatrical run. Until now, the movie’s fan base continues to grow, especially after its public release through Disney Plus’ streaming service.
