Disney debuts footage from “Moana 2” at CinemaCon
Dwayne Johnson speaks on stage at a Disney presentation during CinemaCon.
Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon
Two months after Disney CEO Bob Iger’s surprise announcement Moana 2 In the works at the studio and scheduled to hit theaters on November 27, the animated sequel took center stage at CinemaCon.
Disney has debuted an exclusive sneak peek of footage from the David Derrick Jr.-directed film to theater owners with the help of its vocal talent, Dwayne Johnson. He arrived on stage after a small performance by Polynesian dancers. Johnson returns in the sequel alongside actors from the original film including Auli’i Cravalho and others.
“As we say on the island, aloha,” said Johnson, wearing slacks and a white tank top for the occasion. “Playing the character Maui is one of the most life-changing experiences for me and a role that has changed my life.”
He added that the character is deeper than just a party because it represents his culture, to the point that it is present on his chest with his tattoo, and it is also specific to his grandfather. “It’s much deeper than just a movie for me, and I know it’s deeper for Disney, too.”
According to Disney, the story begins next Moana She receives an unexpected call from her explorer ancestors, so she sets out on a journey to the distant seas of Oceania and to long-lost dangerous waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever encountered. The footage includes new music and stunning visuals in the same vein as the original. “A whole new cast, new settings and, of course, new songs – you’re welcome,” Johnson promised, telling theater owners this would be the perfect getaway this winter.
The Derek movie was initially developed as a TV series, Iger confirmed on an earnings call in February. “the original Moana The 2016 film recently surpassed 1 billion streaming hours on Disney+, and was the most streamed film of 2023 on any platform in the US. Along with the live-action version of the original film that’s currently in development, Moana remains an incredibly popular franchise, and we can’t wait to bring you more Moana and Maui whenever Moana 2 “It will be in theaters next November,” Iger said at the time, underscoring the film’s enduring cultural cachet.
This 2016 film was also released in November of that year, and is directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. It grossed over $248 million at the domestic box office for an international cume of $643 million. It also received two Academy Award nominations, one for Best Animated Feature and one for Best Original Song, for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “How Far I’ll Go,” sung by Cravalho.
Moana 2 Not to be confused with one another Moana A project in the works at Disney is a live-action film starring Johnson. The studio confirmed last week that the live-action adaptation of Thomas Kail has been pushed back from June 27, 2025, to a new release date of July 10, 2026. The move gives the remake of the film a breathing space from animation. Moana 2which opens next November.
Also as part of the Moana segment, NATO President Bob Bagby surprised Johnson by presenting him with the NATO Spirit of Industry Award, the second such award after last year’s award, which was presented to Christopher Nolan. “This award honors your passion and unparalleled commitment to the theatrical experience,” Bagby said. “I have to tell you that with all the changes and ebbs and growths and progress, the one thing that will always remain is the theater experience,” Johnson said upon his acceptance.
