Disney’s Moana 2 is set to make waves when it hits theatres on 27 November in the US, which is 28 November in the Pacific region. The highly anticipated sequel premiered in Oahu, Hawaii, with a vibrant celebration of Pacific Islander heritage, featuring traditional Hawaiian dancers, leis, and flag-waving performances.
The story takes place three years after Moana’s first adventure, showcasing her growth into a master navigator. “At first, she was wondering if she could be a wayfinder,” said Auliʻi Cravalho, the voice behind Moana. “Now, she’s traveling even further beyond.” In this new journey, Moana is called by her ancestors to lift a curse from the god Nalo that has separated island communities. To succeed, she forms a new crew and reunites with her old ally Maui, voiced once again by Dwayne Johnson.
For Johnson, the film has personal significance. “Maui’s journey is about legacy,” he explained. “The character was largely inspired by my grandfather, who’s buried here in Hawaii, so this story is incredibly meaningful to me.”
Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, Moana 2 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, which ruled the Thanksgiving box office in 2016 with an $81.1 million debut over five days. With Disney’s recent animated hit Inside Out 2 smashing records, Moana 2 is expected to make a big splash worldwide.
