Moana 2: A Return to the Ocean's Call

Moana 2: A Return to the Ocean's Call

Moana 2 is a 2024 animated musical adventure film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, serving as a sequel to the 2016 hit Moana. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film continues the journey of Moana, voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho, and the demigod Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson.

🌊 Plot Overview

Set three years after the original film, Moana 2 follows Moana as she receives a vision from her ancestor, Tautai Vasa, revealing that the legendary island of Motufetu, which once connected all islands, was sunk by the storm god Nalo. To prevent the extinction of her people, Moana assembles a crew—including craftswoman Loto, historian Moni, and farmer Kele—to embark on a voyage to raise Motufetu and restore balance. 

Meanwhile, Maui seeks Motufetu himself but is captured by Nalo's enforcer, Matangi. The journey tests Moana's leadership and courage as she navigates treacherous waters and confronts ancient curses.

🎭 Cast and Characters

• Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana

• Dwayne Johnson as Maui

• Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Simea, Moana's sister

   

• Rose Matafeo as Loto, a wayfinder

• David Fane as Kele, a crop farmer

• Hualālai Chung as Moni, a fan of Maui

• Awhimai Fraser as Matangi, Nalo's enforcer

• Temuera Morrison and Nicole Scherzinger reprise their roles as Moana's parents

• Rachel House returns as Tala in spirit form 

🎶 Music and Production

The film's music is composed by Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi, with new songs by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, replacing Lin-Manuel Miranda from the first film. The soundtrack blends Polynesian instrumentation with contemporary melodies, enhancing the film's cultural depth.

Originally developed as a Disney+ series, Moana 2 was reworked into a theatrical release after positive feedback on early footage. The film premiered at the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute in Hawaii on November 21, 2024, and was released in U.S. theaters on November 27, 2024.

📈 Reception and Box Office

Moana 2 received mixed to positive reviews, with a 61% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 57. Audiences gave it an "A–" CinemaScore. 

The film grossed over $1.059 billion worldwide, surpassing its predecessor and becoming the third highest-grossing film of 2024. 

🏝️ Cultural Impact

Moana 2 continues Disney's commitment to cultural representation, featuring Polynesian languages such as Hawaiian, Māori, Tahitian, and Samoan. Auliʻi Cravalho reprised her role in the Hawaiian dubbing, further honoring her heritage.