Despite the excitement surrounding the announcement of Moana 2, one crucial detail that Disney CEO Bob Iger failed to disclose was whether Dwayne Johnson would be returning to voice the beloved demigod Maui. According to Deadline, Johnson is currently in talks to reprise his role, and things are looking promising. Fans of the original film will be thrilled to hear Maui’s iconic phrase, “You’re welcome,” once again. However, the status of Auli’i Cravalho, the voice of Moana, remains uncertain. While she is reportedly in talks to return, it seems that negotiations are not as far along as Johnson’s.
In a heartfelt statement made on social media back in May, Auli’i Cravalho expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to portray Moana. She announced that she would not be reprising her role in the live-action version of the film, stating, “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.” It seems that a new face will carry on Moana’s legacy, representing the beauty and richness of Pacific Island cultures.
Disney’s decision to turn the Disney+ series into a full-fledged theatrical sequel speaks volumes about the studio’s confidence in the project. Directed by Dave Derrick Jr. and featuring music by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina, Moana 2 promises to be a captivating experience for audiences. However, fans of Lin-Manuel Miranda may be disappointed to learn that his signature songs will be absent from this installment.
As excitement builds for Moana 2, questions arise about the status of the live-action version of the film. Dwayne Johnson, who is both starring in and producing the adaptation under his Seven Bucks label, has raised expectations for a cinematic masterpiece. However, with conflicting release dates, Disney faces the challenge of scheduling a new theatrical release to replace the original date set for the live-action version.
While Disney’s announcement of Moana 2 has generated immense excitement among fans, there are still several unanswered questions surrounding the project. From the return of key voice actors to the execution of a live-action adaptation, the future of Moana remains both mysterious and promising. As the creative team works tirelessly to breathe life into this beloved story, audiences can anticipate a sequel that honors the legacy of the original film while forging new paths of its own.