‘Moana 2’: Auli’i Cravalho Confirmed to Return

Dwayne Johnson is already on board for the sequel, which has been fashioned out of a planned TV series based on the movie, and is now due in November.

(Left) Auli'i Cravalho as Jos Clearly on Prime Video's 'The Power.' Credit: Katie Yu/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios. (Right) Auli'i Cravalho as the voice of Moana in 'Moana.' Photo: Walt Disney Studios.

Preview:

Voice actor Auli’i Cravalho is returning for the ‘Moana’ sequel.
Disney had planned a TV series but has turned that into the new movie.
The film will be released around Thanksgiving.

Disney has clearly shown how far they’ll go to keep the ‘Moana’ raft sailing. And with both the live-action remake in development and an animated sequel on the way, the company is certainly committed to that idea.

And now the young star of the 2016 hit, actor Auli’i Cravalho, has confirmed that she’ll return to voice the title character again, alongside Dwayne Johnson, who lent his vocal tones to trickster demi-god Maui.

Moana 2

Not Yet RatedJul 10th, 2026

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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... Read the Plot

What’s happening with the ‘Moana’ sequel?

(L to R) Auli'i Cravalho as the voice of Moana and Dwayne Johnson as the voice of Maui in 'Moana.' Photo: Walt Disney Studios.

The sequel movie has had an interesting route to screens –– because it didn’t start out as a movie at all.

A follow-up to ‘Moana’ was being produced as a series, but then Disney boss Bog Iger announced in a recent shareholder call that development of the show was turning out so well that it was being converted into a theatrical sequel to the seafaring adventure.

Johnson is confirmed to be making a deal to voice Maui again, and Cravalho hit Instagram to reveal that she’s back too.

Dave Derrick Jr. is directing the sequel, with music by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, and returning ‘Moana’ duo Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina (though there is no sign of Lin-Manuel Miranda working on this one.)

What’s the story of the ‘Moana’ sequel?

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic, all-new animated musical 'Moana 2' takes audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers. The follow-up to 2016’s Oscar®-nominated film opens in theaters on Nov. 27, 2024. © 2024 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

Only a basic storyline has been released for this one: “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.”

What of the live-action take on the original movie?

Dwayne Johnson announces live-action 'Moana.' Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios.

As has become the company’s fashion, Disney is giving the original ‘Moana’ the live-action treatment.

‘Hamilton’ director Thomas Kail is directing the film, with Johnson aboard to play Maui and producer.

Cravalho, who was most recently seen on screen (and stealing scenes) in the ‘Mean Girls’ musical movie, is not playing Moana in this movie. Instead, she’s taking an executive producer role.

Here’s what she said about the decision:

“As an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength. I’m truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honor our incredible Pacific peoples cultures and communities that help inspire her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representations to come. Mahalo.”