Back to Motunui! Auli’I Cravaldo Returns for Moana Animated Sequel
Great news for Moana fans: Auli’i Cravalho who voiced the lead character, Moana, will be returning for the animation’s sequel.
In the animated Moana 2, Auli’i Cravalho will continue to give life to the same role. The plot involves a new crew of unlikely seafarers. The description of the animated film 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.”
On her Instagram clip, Auli’i wrote the caption, “The feeling when you’re officially returning to Motunui. She added, “We’re sailing WAY beyond the reef this November… #Moana2.” The actress also posted a teaser of the highly-anticipated movie on her social media account.
Dave Derrick Jr. will be directing and music will be provided by Grammy winners Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow along with Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i. Three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina will also be part of the musical team so expectations for the upcoming film are extremely high. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the songwriter behind Moana’s hit songs “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome” will not return for the film’s second installment.
The highly anticipated film is scheduled to hit theaters by November 27, 2024. Initially, the sequel was being developed as a TV series but its footage impressed Disney CEO Bob Iger so much that he decided to turn it into a feature film.
Bob shared his anticipation for Moana 2 by saying, “Moana remains an incredibly popular franchise, and we can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when Moana 2 comes to theaters this November.”
Note, however, that there is also a live-action version in the works. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who plays Maui, has been long confirmed to reprise his role. Meanwhile, Auli’i Cravalho has expressed hesitation at the idea of taking on the Moana character for the remake, preferring to be an executive producer for the film.
Last May, she said, 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…. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representations to come. Mahalo.”
The live-action Moana movie is scheduled for a June 27, 2025 release date though many doubt if this is realistic since production has yet to begin. While The Rock has been confirmed to play Maui, the female star has yet to be identified.
Auli’i showed her excitement in finding a new lead actress on Instagram. She posted, “I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell. I can’t wait to find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit, and emotional strength.”
Released in 2016, the original animated film was a Disney success, earning over $680 million at the box office. It also generated more than 1 billion streaming hours for Disney+ in 2023.
