The first trailer and poster for Disney’s highly anticipated live-action reimagining of “Moana,” starring Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as the trickster demigod Maui, debut today.

The trailer provides a first look at the live-action adventure, introducing audiences to the majestic island and vibrant people of Motunui; the shapeshifting demigod Maui; the intimidating yet adorable tribe of Kakamora; and Lagaʻaia as wayfinder Moana, who sings the powerful line “I Am Moana.”

In addition to Lagaʻaia and Johnson, the “Moana” cast includes Auckland, New Zealand, native John Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealander Frankie Adams, who portrays Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen, from Bay of Islands, New Zealand, as Moana’s revered Gramma Tala.

In Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved Oscar®-nominated animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people. The film is directed by Emmy® and Tony Award® winner Thomas Kail (“Hamilton”); produced by Dwayne Johnson, Beau Flynn, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia and Lin-Manuel Miranda; and executive produced by Thomas Kail, Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth and Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated features “Moana” and “Moana 2.” Audiences can experience the brilliant cinematic sights, sounds and songs of “Moana” in theatres on July 10, 2026.

ABOUT DISNEY

Disney’s live-action legacy dates back to its first completely live-action film, “Treasure Island” in 1950, and its collaborations with renowned artists and filmmakers have resulted in some of the most successful and unforgettable family films in history. Across pirate-laden high seas or down a mysterious rabbit hole, the studio brings powerful storytellers together with leading-edge technology to produce a wide range of films for theatrical release and streaming that are uniquely Disney, from the beloved “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, to an immensely popular collection of live-action reimaginings of classic tales – including “The Little Mermaid,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Maleficent,” “The Jungle Book,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Mary Poppins Returns,” “Aladdin,” “Lady and the Tramp,” “Mulan,” “Cruella,” “Hocus Pocus 2” and the Emmy Award-winning “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers” – to uplifting, character-driven stories such as “Jungle Cruise.”

DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA debuts atop the Box Office this weekend taking $14 million for Lionsgate/VVS Films, from 3,008 theatres. Its 2018 predecessor opened similarly but in the number two spot, with $15 million. Critically, it improves upon its previous film with a 61% on the Tomatometer.

In second is MUFASA: THE LION KING, with $13 million from 3,620 theatres, a total $188.5 million grossed for Disney over four weekends.

Third is SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 with $9.2 million from 3,582 theatres for Paramount Pictures, bringing its four week run to $202 million domestically.

Taking fourth is NOSFERATU with $6.8 million from 3,082 theatres for Focus Features/Universal Pictures, a tally of $81.8 million for the Robert Eggers Horror.

Rounding it all out is MOANA 2 with $4.8 million, a total run of $433.1 million in North America for Disney.

It’s truly a Battle Royale at the Box Office, but MUFASA: THE LION KING prevails over stubborn competition in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3. The two films have been first and second in either order these past three weekends. MUFASA takes $24 million from 3,925 theatres, taking its North American run thus far to $168 million for Disney. SONIC gets $20 million from 3,746 theatres, a total $186 million for Paramount Pictures.

NOSFERATU continues to perform well in third spot with $12.3 million from 3,132 theatres for Universal Pictures/Focus Features, a two week total of $68 million.

Fourth is MOANA 2 with $12 million, bringing its run to $424.7 million domestically for Disney.

Fifth goes to WICKED – now on demand – with $9.5 million, a total $450 million grossed to date for Universal Pictures.

It’s justice for MUFASA: THE LION KING which climbs to the summit position in its second week out for Disney, taking $37 million from 4,100 theatres. This brings its run domestically so far to $111.4 million.

In second is SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 with a great $38 million from 3,769 theatres for Paramount Pictures, a run of $137.5 million over two weeks.

Third is gothic Horror NOSFERATU debuting with a stellar $21.1 million from 2,992 theatres for Focus Features/Universal Pictures. This latest effort from Robert Eggers gets 86% on the Tomatometer.

WICKED takes fourth with $19.4 million, a tally of $424.6 million for Universal Pictures over just six weekends.

Rounding out our Christmas Box Office is MOANA 2 with $18.3 million, a total $394 for Disney over five weekends.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 opens with a stellar $70.5 million from 3,761 theatres for Paramount Pictures pre-Christmas weekend. The Series’ best opening belongs to 2022’s SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 with $72.1 million. This installment gets 85% on the Tomatometer.

MUFASA: THE LION KING debuts in second with $38 million from 4,100 theatres for Disney. By contrast, its 2019 predecessor debuted with $191 million. The origins story gets 57% on the Tomatometer.

MOANA 2 gets third $16 million from 3,600 theatres in its fifth weekend, totalling $360 million domestically, for Disney.

Fourth goes to WICKED with $14 million from 3,296 theatres, a total run of $384 million for Universal Pictures.

Angel Studios’ HOMESTEAD gets $5.5 million in its debut from 1,886 theatres. This gets 40% on the Tomatometer.

MOANA 2 continues its reign taking the lead a third straight weekend with $26 million from 4,000 theatres for Disney. This takes its run to $336.9 million already domestically.

WICKED continues to performing exceedingly well in second with $20.5 million, bringing it to $357 million in its fourth weekend for Universal Pictures.

KRAVEN THE HUNTER debuts with $13 million from 3,211 theatres for Sony Pictures. Critics didn’t love this, giving it 15% on the Tomatometer.

GLADIATOR II gets $7.6 million, taking it to $145.7 million over four weekends for Paramount Pictures.

Fifth goes to THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF ROHIRRIM, taking $5 million in its debut from 2,602 theatres for Warner Bros.

A very stellar second frame for MOANA 2, taking $55 million this weekend from 4,200 theatres, which is the highest post-U.S. Thanksgiving weekend ever. High was previously held by FROZEN 2 with $35 million in 2019. It surpasses $300 million already domestically for Disney.

WICKED continues to thrive with $31.7 million from 3,885 theatres for Universal Pictures, also surpassing the $300 million mark already in three weeks.

Third up is GLADIATOR II with $12.3 million from 3,450 theatres, taking it to a run of $132.5 million for Paramount Pictures in its third weekend.

Fourth is PUSHPA 2 – THE RULE with $5.6 million for Prathyangira Cinemas.

Rounding things out is RED ONE with $5.5 million from 3,150 theatres for Warner Bros. A run of $84.2 million domestically over four weekends.

It’s a great time for the Box Office right now Black Friday weekend as ticket sales are soaring! Taking top spot is MOANA 2, poised to take $116 million this three-day weekend alone for Disney. It gets a passing 65% on the Tomatometer, meaning Dwayne Johnson has topped the Box Office twice this month already, the other release being RED ONE. By contrast, the first Moana film opened with $56 million in 2016.

Second spot goes to WICKED with a stellar $68.2 million for Universal Pictures. Over two weeks, it has grossed $250 million already domestically!

Third is GLADIATOR 2 with $32 million, bringing it to $112 million in its second weekend for Paramount Pictures.

In fourth we have RED ONE with $21 million for Amazon Studios/MGM/Warner Bros. This takes it to $78 million in its third weekend out, and a second film for Dwayne Johnson in the Top Five.

Rounding things out is THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER with $4 million for Lionsgate/Cineplex Pictures, totalling $32 million over four weekends.

Walt Disney Studios Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win passes to see MOANA 2! Screenings take place November 25, 2024 in OTTAWA, WINNIPEG, EDMONTON, and CALGARY.

ABOUT “MOANA 2”

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2” reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a 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 all-new feature film opens exclusively in theatres on November 27, 2024.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Please indicate your City in the comments.

Rules and regulations here.

MOANA 2 is in theatres November 27, 2024. Don’t forget to check-out this pop-up for those of you in Toronto, at Square One here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

In celebration of MOANA 2, a special pop-up is happening out in Mississauga at Square One!

The All New Animated Feature Opens Only in Theatres Nov. 27, 2024

WHAT: Calling all wayfinders! To celebrate the reunion of Moana and Maui in the all-new epic animated musical “Moana 2”, Walt Disney Studios Canada invites fans and families to take aim at The Kakamora Knockout Challenge. This fun-filled game is exclusively at Square One Shopping Centre from November 15 – 28. Test your skills and toss plush coconuts to knock out the targets to receive a limited-edition poster! Plus, capture the moment and get your family photo with life-size statues of Moana and Maui. With an exclusive giveaway for all, this immersive experience is perfect for families of all ages.

WHEN & WHERE:

MISSISSAUGA

Friday, November 15 – Thursday, November 28, 2024

Square One Shopping Centre, Level 2 (across from H&M)

100 City Centre Dr, Mississauga, ON L5B 2C9

ABOUT “MOANA 2”

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2” reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a 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 all-new feature film opens exclusively in theatres on November 27, 2024.