We’re still several weeks out from Moana 2‘s Thanksgiving debut, but long-lead tracking puts the film at saying “You’re welcome” to a $100M+ 5-day launch. The projected total for the animated sequel’s Wednesday through Sunday holiday premiere arrives courtesy of Quorum. In contrast, 2016’s Moana set sail with an $82M premiere over five days. By the end of its run, the spirited island musical banked $248.7M in domestic coconuts, with a $643.3M+ worldwide take. Estimates for Moana 2’s Friday through Sunday earnings range from $75M-$82M.

Opening only in theaters on November 27, 2024, Moana 2 reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. 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. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, Moana 2 features music by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.

According to the numbers, Moana 2 is tracking better than Universal’s Wicked Part One ($67M-$74M) and Paramount’s Gladiator II ($42M-$47M). Despite Wicked’s mass appeal and built-in audience, the sympathetic take on The Wizard of Oz‘s Elphaba is only Part One of a two-part presentation. Some moviegoers don’t like it when movies are split into multiple parts, knowing they’ll need to wait to complete the story. Still, Wicked will draw audiences during the holiday; the same could be said for Gladiator II.

Regarding Moana 2, the anticipated sequel will attract female audiences under 25, with the “Frozen crowd” along for the ride. Men aren’t as keen to join Moana and Maui for another sea-faring adventure, but the film isn’t aiming to reel them in. Moana 2‘s bread and butter lies with kids and parents looking to take a break from holiday madness to enjoy a song-and-dance spectacle with lovable characters and positive messaging.

How much money do you think Moana 2 will make during its 5-day debut on Thanksgiving weekend? Let us know in the comments section below.

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A new TV spot offers a sneak peek at Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2, including a new song, “We’re Back,” from the film. The epic animated musical, which opens in theaters on November 27, 2024, reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. 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. A new poster is also available. 

The voice cast also features returning stars Rachel House (Gramma Tala), Temuera Morrison (Chief Tui) and Nicole Scherzinger (Sina), as well as Hualālai Chung, David Fane and Rose Matafeo as Moana’s new crew members Moni, Kele and Loto, respectively. Awhimai Fraser voices mysterious new character Matangi; Gerald Ramsey plays Moana’s ancestor, Tautai Vasa; and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda lends her voice to Moana’s adoring and adorable little sister, Simea. 

Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, Moana 2 features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. Jared Bush and Miller are writing the film, which is executive produced by Jennifer Lee, Bush and Johnson. 

Johnson elaborates on how he reflected on himself through Maui’s journey in this new story. In the movie, Maui has to set pride aside and ask Moana for help on confronting his past, “Sometimes the hardest thing in life is to ask for help. It puts us automatically in that position of vulnerability. The idea of jumping into vulnerability isn’t necessarily always our [first choice], and it doesn’t come easy.”

He continues, “This guy is a demi-god. He can do whatever he wants, have whatever he wants, live the life. But it’s all stripped away in this one moment. He can either continue to live life how he lives, or he can strip it all away and say, ‘I really need help.’ That’s a hard thing to do — when you’re that low and you feel like you’ve fit rock bottom. It’s an important moment for people to see that you can be strong, you can be big, you can be independent, but it’s okay to ask for help. When you do finally ask for help, and you put yourself in that position of being vulnerable and being open, the universe has a way of meeting you halfway.”

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As Dwayne Johnson breaks from his usual big-budget blockbusters and attempts to show off his more serious side in Benny Safdie’s upcoming film, The Smashing Machine, Johnson says that Maui, his character from Moana, has a story arc in this November’s Moana 2 that helped him to reflect on his own vulnerabilities and his own insecurities. At this year’s CinemaCon, he would announce how personal this sequel was for him.  “It’s so much deeper of a movie to me, and it’s so much deeper of a movie to Disney as well,” Johnson said. “We are so excited to welcome back audiences all over the world to a new adventure.”

In Entertainment Weekly‘s preview of the new Disney film, Johnson elaborates on how he reflected on himself through Maui’s journey in this new story. In the movie, Maui has to set pride aside and ask Moana for help on confronting his past, “Sometimes the hardest thing in life is to ask for help. It puts us automatically in that position of vulnerability. The idea of jumping into vulnerability isn’t necessarily always our [first choice], and it doesn’t come easy.”

He continues, “This guy is a demi-god. He can do whatever he wants, have whatever he wants, live the life. But it’s all stripped away in this one moment. He can either continue to live life how he lives, or he can strip it all away and say, ‘I really need help.’ That’s a hard thing to do — when you’re that low and you feel like you’ve fit rock bottom. It’s an important moment for people to see that you can be strong, you can be big, you can be independent, but it’s okay to ask for help. When you do finally ask for help, and you put yourself in that position of being vulnerable and being open, the universe has a way of meeting you halfway.”

The official synopsis from Disney reads,
“Opening only in theaters Nov. 27, 2024, Moana 2 reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. 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. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, Moana 2 features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.”

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If you think Pixar‘s Inside Out 2 is kicking ass at the box office, wait until you see Moana’s sweet moves in the latest trailer for Disney’s Moana 2. The new trailer finds Moana defending Hei-Hei, the chicken, from an angry gathering of Kakamora, the masked miniature warriors from the first film. Moana defends the plucky comic relief character by blocking projectiles with an oar while simultaneously steering a boat into the expanding maw of a mysterious and massive sea creature. It’s impressive and is sure to look amazing on the silver screen.

“It’s about connection, to who we are, where we came from,” director David Derrick Jr. said during this year’s Annecy Animation Festival about the plot of Moana 2. In the film, Moana and her merry band of misfits search for the island of Motufetu, which a God of Storms has hidden.

Disney’s Annecy presentation for Moana 2 shared 15 minutes of unfinished footage, including a scene where Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) returns from a mission to find her family waiting with open arms. The scene features the new song “We’re Back,” an appropriate sentiment for a sequel if there ever was one. A lightning bolt strikes a nearby hut during a ceremony where Moana assumes a new title. After the God of Storms reveals their discontent, Moana accepts a mission to unite other lands and tribes to combat the new foe. After gathering her crew, Moana sets sail, encountering a massive clam-like creature. Those who enjoyed Maui’s sentient tattoos from the first film will be delighted to know they make a playful return in the sequel.

Here’s the official synopsis for Moana 2:

“Opening only in theaters Nov. 27, 2024, Moana 2 reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. 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. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, Moana 2 features music by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.”

Who’s ready for more Kakamora antics? The pint-sized warriors with coconut armor were a highlight of Disney’s Moana, and we’re glad to see them return for the sequel. Today’s Moana 2 trailer promises lots of mystery, adventure, and martial arts among the high seas, with lovable characters anchoring this anticipated animation. Let us know if you’re excited about Moana 2 in the comments below.

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When Dwayne Johnson isn’t clowning on Kevin Hart, drinking tequila, or crushing weights at his portable gym, he’s granting wishes for young people worldwide. While continuing to heal from an elbow injury he got on the set of his upcoming A24 film The Smashing Machine, Johnson received a “rush wish” from the Make-a-Wish Foundation. This organization makes miracles happen for young people with life-threatening illnesses. They’ve worked with Johnson on various requests before. Still, a recent request from 4-year-old Lily is making the rounds online. Speaking with his followers on social media, Johnson shared a video of Lily’s wish fulfillment, which is for Johnson to sing ‘You’re Welcome’ from the Moana movie soundtrack.

Lily’s parents asked Johnson to share his performance on social media so others could hear about her story, fight, and bravery in the face of dire circumstances.

“I received a request that I need to share with you guys,” Johnson told the camera. “The sharing of this request is in the spirit of Make-A-Wish, which is a foundation that I hold near and dear to my heart.”

Johnson continued, “This is a special Make-A-Wish request and it’s called a rush wish. And a rush wish means, what the implication sounds like, which is time is just not on our side.”

Before belting out his classic Disney tune, Johnson explains that Lily is in a home hospice. While she cannot eat independently and is non-verbal, she can still react to stimuli and is excited about Johnson granting her wish. Before breaking into song, Johnson says he’s a little rusty when channeling Maui’s mana and powerful vocals. Still, he gives it the old college try for an endearing performance that Lily will undoubtedly enjoy.

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A post shared by Dwayne Johnson (@therock)

After his performance, Johnson speaks to Lily directly, saying, “Thank you so much for allowing me the privilege of making your Make-a-Wish come true,” he said. “That was me singing ‘You’re Welcome’ in probably a few keys that don’t exist. I hope you enjoyed it and Lily, you are so special.” He then urges his followers to send their well-wishes to Lily, to let her know she is loved, strong, and brave.

I’m not crying! You’re the one who’s crying!

Johnson reprises his iconic role as Maui in Disney’s Moana 2, coming to theaters on November 27.

Stay strong, Lily. You’ve made a lot of people smile today.

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As this year’s Annecy Animation Festival continues to tease some of Hollywood’s most anticipated animated projects, Disney pleased its Friday crowd by screening footage from the studio’s highly-anticipated sequel, Moana 2. In addition to showing off the film’s gorgeous setting, refined character models, and mystical elements, Disney revealed an assembly of characters returning to the island of Motunui. Prepare to get reacquainted with the Kakamora tribe, the pint-sized warriors with coconut armor from the first film. Moana’s parents, Chief Tut and Sina, also join the cast alongside Dwayne Johnson’s Maui. New characters joining the cast include Moana’s baby sister, Simea, an engineer named Loto, a farmer named Kele, and a Maui fanatic named Moni.

“It’s about connection, to who we are, where we came from,” director David Derrick Jr. said during the presentation about the plot of Moana 2. In the film, Moana and her merry band of misfits search for the island of Motufetu, which a God of Storms has hidden.

Disney’s presentation for Moana 2 shared 15 minutes of unfinished footage, including a scene where Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) returns from a mission to find her family waiting with open arms. The scene features the new song “We’re Back,” an appropriate sentiment for a sequel if there ever was one. A lightning bolt strikes a nearby hut during a ceremony where Moana assumes a new title. After the God of Storms reveals their discontent, Moana accepts a mission to unite other lands and tribes to combat the new foe. After gathering her crew, Moana sets sail, encountering a massive clam-like creature. Those who enjoyed Maui’s sentient tattoos from the first film will be delighted to know they make a playful return in the sequel.

Here’s the official synopsis for Moana 2:

“Opening only in theaters Nov. 27, 2024, Moana 2 reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. 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. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, Moana 2 features music by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.”

In other Disney news, Pixar’s Inside Out 2 opens in theaters this weekend, and word has it that it’s Pixar’s best film in years.

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Journey back to the tranquil locations of the tropical beaches and vast oceans with the new teaser trailer for Moana 2. Disney has just shared the new look at the sequel to the popular 2016 film starring Dwayne Johnson and Auli‘i Cravalho as their respective characters — Maui and Moana. In addition to the teaser trailer, Disney has also released a couple of teaser posters that sets the stage for a new adventure across the sea.

The official synopsis from Disney reads,
“Opening only in theaters Nov. 27, 2024, Moana 2 reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. 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. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, Moana 2 features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.”

Moana 2 was announced, produced and is due for release all in this year. The film was one of the new projects showcased at the Disney panel at CinemaCon, which was introduced by none other than Dwayne Johnson, flanked by a group of Polynesian dancers. “It’s so much deeper of a movie to me, and it’s so much deeper of a movie to Disney as well,” Johnson said. “We are so excited to welcome back audiences all over the world to a new adventure.” Johnson then played a clip from the sequel, which finds Moana returning to her home island and the debut of a brand-new song, “We’re Back.” At least one character isn’t big on belting out the tune, as they ask, “Do we have to sing?” To which everyone responds, “Yes, we have to sing!”

It was also announced last year that the first film was to get a live-action adaptation. Disney announced its plans for the live-action reimagining with the help of Dwayne Johnson, who plays Demigod Maui in 2016’s animated original. Johnson will reprise his role in Kail’s live-action adaptation and produce through his Seven Bucks Productions alongside Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia. Beau Flynn also produces via Flynn Pictures Co. Jared Bush, who wrote the animated original, returns to pen the remake. Further information on this development has not been released since this animated sequel was announced.

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Disney’s presentation at CinemaCon made sure to carve out some time to focus on their upcoming animated movies. We’ve already covered Inside Out 2, but CinemaCon audiences were also treated to teasers for Mufasa: The Lion King and Moana 2.

Director Barry Jenkins took the stage to promote the Lion King prequel, adding that he had seen the original Disney animated movie over 200 times and knew he had to take the gig. “When the script came to me I was fascinated by watching these complex people dealing with complex emotions…this film explores Mufasa rise to become the heroic king that we know,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins wanted to make a movie that tackled the same issues as the first, hoping that it would help a new generation of children become who they really are. The teaser trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King then began with those iconic notes from Circle of Life before zipping around many different parts of Africa as a young Mufasa runs free and gets into trouble, just like his future offspring. In a voiceover, Rifiki says, “This is the story of a lion who is born without a drop of nobility in his blood.” According to our own Chris Bumbray, the animation is even more impressive than Jon Favreau’s movie with some huge set pieces.

Next up was Moana 2, which was introduced by none other than Dwayne Johnson, flanked by a group of Polynesian dancers. “It’s so much deeper of a movie to me, and it’s so much deeper of a movie to Disney as well,” Johnson said. “We are so excited to welcome back audiences all over the world to a new adventure.” Johnson then played a clip from the sequel, which finds Moana returning to her home island and the debut of a brand-new song, “We’re Back.” At least one character isn’t big on belting out the tune, as they ask “Do we have to sing?” To which everyone responds, “Yes, we have to sing!“

“Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical Moana 2 takes audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers,” reads the official description. “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.“

Moana 2 will hit theaters on November 27th, followed by Mufasa: The Lion King on December 20th.

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Shortly after denying Nelson Peltz a seat on the Disney board, the House of Mouse is sharing first looks at two of their upcoming films, Moana 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King. The Hollywood Handle was the first to share the Mufasa image, which Disney debuted as part of the studio’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The picture for Mufasa: The Lion King depicts a young Mufasa standing at the edge of a cliff while staring out at a desaturated Pride Land. The Barry Jenkins-directed sequel to Jon Favreau’s 2019 live-action hybrid focuses on Simba, having become king of the Pride Lands, and is determined for his cub to follow in his paw prints while the origins of his late father Mufasa are explored.

First look at ‘MUFASA: THE LION KING.’

Releasing in theaters on December 20. pic.twitter.com/O902KU3K66

— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) April 3, 2024

Mufasa: The Lion King pads into theaters on December 24, 2024, to get a piece of that sweet holiday box office. Linda Woolverton, Irene Mecchi, and Jonathan Roberts wrote the screenplay, with Seth Rogen, Kelvin Harris Jr., Billy Eichner, Aaron Pierre, and John Kani leading the cast.

Meanwhile, Disney officially confirmed that Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho will return for Moana 2, celebrating the news with a new image from the forthcoming animated sequel. The still features an older, more confident Moana setting off into the water while holding an oar with Maui’s fish hook and a heart carved into it. If you look carefully, you’ll see an island cliff face with what looks like a multi-eyes sea creature emerging from the waters below.

New look at ‘MOANA 2.’

Releasing in theaters on November 27. pic.twitter.com/XG5MCzcbt7

— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) April 3, 2024

“Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical Moana 2 takes audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers,” the official description 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. Directed by Dave Derrick Jr. with music by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina, Moana 2 opens in theaters on November 27, 2024.”

Disney fans can expect more information about both films to surface in the coming months as Disney prepares to dominate the holiday box office charts. Are you excited about Mufasa: The Lion King or Moana 2? Let us know in the comments section below.

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