Auli’i Cravalho Makes Exciting Moana 2 Announcement

Auli’i Cravalho confirms that she will be reprising her role as Moana in the sequel, Moana 2. The Disney film will be opening in theaters in November. 

In an Instagram reel, Cravalho announces that she will be rejoining the cast of Moana. The video features a joyful Cravalho in front of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building. The actress captioned the reel with “the feeling when you’re officially returning to Motunui.” Excitement sparked from the video among fans, bringing in much anticipation for the sequel. 

David Derrick Jr, who has previously worked with Disney many times, will direct Moana 2. He was a story artist for the first Moana, and Raya and the Last Dragon. As for songwriters, they consist of countless Grammy winners and nominees: Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina. Furthermore, Mancina helped produce the music for the 2016 film as well.

As the Moana franchise continues growing, fans began to question if the actress would ever reprise her role as Moana again. When talks of a live-action Moana began, Cravalho posted an Instagram video confirming that she would not play the character in a live-action version. In the video, she explains, “In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.” Cravalho made it clear that as much as she loves Moana, she feels the live-action role will be better suited for another young actor. 

Cravalho continues, “As an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit… I’m truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent… and I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representations to come. Mahalo.” Moreover, the live-action film is still in the works, releasing in 2025. Although the actress will operate behind the scenes for the live-action, fans are happy to receive a sequel of the animated film with Cravalho still playing the hero.

Along with Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson is set to reprise his role as the demigod Maui. Many fans are excited about the duo reuniting to voice the beloved animated characters. John Musker and Ron Clements directed the film in 2016. Additionally, Moana made 643 million dollars worldwide at the box office. It featured the song “How Far I’ll Go,” performed by Cravalho, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and produced by Mancina. 

The 2016 Moana is available for streaming on Disney+. You can read more about the first look of Moana 2 here. In the meantime, fans can view the teaser trailer for Moana 2 below.