Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho are both in talks to return as Maui and Moana in Disney’s animated sequel Moana 2… though Cravalho’s involvement isn’t certain.
Disney announced this week that Moana 2 would hit theaters November 27, 2024, with Johnson, 52, sharing a teaser for the sequel on his Instagram.
While his involvement might appear to be set in stone, Deadline reports that Johnson is still in talks and it’s said to be ‘looking good.’
Cravalho, 23, however, is not as far along in talks as Johnson is, with the report even adding, ‘the jury’s still out’ on whether the actress returns to voice the title character.
The actress revealed in May that she would not be playing Moana in the live-action project for Disney Plus, which was initially set to be a TV series.
Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho are both in talks to return as Maui and Moana in Disney’s animated sequel Moana 2… though Cravalho’s involvement isn’t certain
Disney announced this week that Moana 2 would hit theaters November 27, 2024, with Johnson, 52, sharing a teaser for the sequel on his Instagram.
‘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,’ she said in a statement in May.
‘And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representations to come. Mahalo,’ she concluded.
The live-action project was ultimately transformed into a full-length feature film, though Disney CEO Bob Iger mentioned this week that they were so impressed with the project they decided to turn it into a film sequel.
‘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,’ Iger said before an earnings call this week.
The sequel will reportedly follow Moana and Maui on a new adventure with, ‘a brand new-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,’ the description read.
With both Johnson and Cravalho’s involvement still not entirely locked down, it may not be surprising if Disney ultimately ends up pushing the November 27, 2024 date.
Dave Derrick Jr. is directing Moana 2, with music by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.
‘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,’ she said in a statement in May
The live-action project was ultimately transformed into a full-length feature film, though Disney CEO Bob Iger mentioned this week that they were so impressed with the project they decided to turn it into a film sequel
‘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,’ the description read
As for the live-action Moana, Johnson is attached to star as Maui while also producing under his Seven Bucks Productions banner.
However, it’s unclear who will play Moana at this time, and the report adds that production hasn’t started yet, so it’s unlikely to keep its June 27, 2025 date.
The original Moana was directed by Ron Clements, John Musker and Don Hall, from a script by Clements, Musker and Jared Bush.
The film took in $687 million worldwide in its theatrical run and continues to develop a fan base from its availability on Disney Plus.