Tickets are on sale now everywhere tickets are sold for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2.” Opening in theatres on Nov. 27, 2024, the all-new feature film reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. A new featurette called “Moana is Back” is now available:

In addition to Cravalho and Johnson, the voice cast of “Moana 2” includes Hualālai Chung, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Awhimai Fraser, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, Gerald Ramsey and Alan Tudyk, who returns as Heihei. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. Jared Bush and Miller are writing the film, which is executive produced by Jennifer Lee, Bush and Johnson.

Tickets available now here.

A new TV spot offers a sneak peek at Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana 2,” including a new song, “We’re Back,” from the film. The epic animated musical, which opens in theatres on Nov. 27, 2024, reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) 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. A new poster is also available.

The voice cast also features returning stars Rachel House (Gramma Tala), Temuera Morrison (Chief Tui) and Nicole Scherzinger (Sina), as well as Hualālai Chung, David Fane and Rose Matafeo as Moana’s new crew members Moni, Kele and Loto, respectively. Awhimai Fraser voices mysterious new character Matangi; Gerald Ramsey plays Moana’s ancestor, Tautai Vasa; and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda lends her voice to Moana’s adoring and adorable little sister, Simea.

Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. Jared Bush and Miller are writing the film, which is executive produced by Jennifer Lee, Bush and Johnson. Available press materials can be accessed here: https://dam.gettyimages.com/thewaltdisneystudios/moana2.

Chee hoo! Moana, Maui, Heihei, Pua the pig and the dart-wielding Kakamora are back—and that’s just for starters in the all-new big-screen adventure. A new trailer and poster are now available for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana 2,” opening in theatres on Nov. 27, 2024. The trailer received an enthusiastic response tonight when stars Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson—together on the D23 stage for the first time ever—shared it with fans attending the studio showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Cravalho wowed the audience with a live performance of one of the film’s new songs, “We’re Back,” with dancers and drummers from Nonosina Polynesia under the direction of Tiana Liufau—who contributed animation reference choreography to “Moana” and the new film—and Johnson led the audience in a rousing “chee hoo!” chant.

Also revealed were additional voice cast, including returning stars Rachel House (Moana’s Grandma, Tala), Temuera Morrison (Moana’s father, Chief Tui) and Nicole Scherzinger (Moana’s mother, Sina). The film also features the voices of Hualālai Chung, David Fane and Rose Matafeo as Moana’s new crew members Moni, Kele and Loto, respectively. Awhimai Fraser voices mysterious new character Matangi; Gerald Ramsey plays Moana’s ancestor, Tautai Vasa; and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda lends her voice to Moana’s adoring and adorable little sister, Simea.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2” reunites Moana (voice of Cravalho) and Maui (voice of 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. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. Jared Bush and Miller are writing the film, which is executive produced by Jennifer Lee, Bush and Johnson.

Catherine Laga‘aia will be voyaging to Motunui and beyond as the adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people in Disney’s upcoming live-action “Moana.” “I’m really excited to embrace this character because Moana is one of my favorites,” said the 17-year-old Sydney, Australia, native. “My grandfather comes from Fa‘aala, Palauli, in Savai‘i. And my grandmother is from Leulumoega Tuai on the main island of ‘Upolu in Samoa. I’m honored to have an opportunity to celebrate Samoa and all Pacific Island peoples, and to represent young girls who look like me.”

The cast also includes Auckland, New Zealander John Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Samoan-New Zealand actress Frankie Adams portrays Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen, who hails from Bay of Islands, NZ, was cast as the revered Gramma Tala. Previously announced, Dwayne Johnson, who voiced larger-than-life demigod Maui in the 2016 animated version of the film, will reprise his role.

Releasing in theatres on July 10, 2026, “Moana” is directed by Thomas Kail, who helmed “Hamilton” on Broadway and Disney+, “Grease Live” and the first and last episodes of Hulu’s lauded limited series “We Were the Lucky Ones.” Said Kail, “I am thrilled to have met Catherine, Rena, Frankie and John through this casting process. I am humbled by this opportunity, and I cannot wait to all be on set together. And there’s no better pair to be in a canoe with than Catherine and Dwayne—actually, trio: Heihei is ready, too.”

“Moana” will bring to life in a whole new way the story of a young woman eager to pave her own path. Celebrating the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders in a spectacular adventure, the production begins filming this summer. The new feature film is produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions and Beau Flynn via FlynnPictureCo. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the original songs, will also serve as producer. Executive producers include Scott Sheldon of FlynnPictureCo., Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 film, and Charles Newirth. Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller have been tapped for the project. Bush, a veteran of Disney Animation, wrote the screenplay for 2016’s “Moana,” and Miller is a Samoan writer who created Netflix’s “Thai Cave Rescue” and co-founded the non-profit Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK).

Check out the new teaser trailer for Walt Disney Animated Studios’ “Moana 2.” Moana voyages back to the big screen this November in the all-new feature film starring Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson as Moana and demigod Maui, respectively.

Opening only in theatres Nov. 27, 2024, “Moana 2” reunites Moana and Maui 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. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.

The Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced today that “Moana 2,” Disney Animation’s all-new feature-length sequel to 2016’s Oscar-nominated film, will be released in theaters in 2024. “Moana remains an incredibly popular franchise,” said Iger, “and we can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when ‘Moana 2’ comes to theatres this November.”

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 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. Directed by Dave Derrick Jr. with music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina, “Moana 2” opens in theatres on Nov. 27, 2024.

Dwayne Johnson revealed today in a recorded message from Hawaii that a live-action reimagining of Disney Animation’s 2016 hit feature film “Moana” is in development. The announcement was shared by Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger during The Walt Disney Company’s Meeting of Shareholders Webcast.

The new feature film is produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions and Beau Flynn via Flynn Picture Co. Executive producers include Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 film, and Scott Sheldon of Flynn Picture Co. Jared Bush and Samoan industry pro Dana Ledoux Miller will also take part in the production. Bush, who was a director and co-writer of Disney’s Oscar®-winning feature “Encanto” and a writer and co-director on Disney’s Oscar®-winning film “Zootopia,” wrote the screenplay for 2016’s “Moana.”

Like its animated predecessor, the film will celebrate the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders as seen through the eyes of a young woman eager to pave her own path. Moana’s journey of self-discovery and reflection on the lives of her ancestors won hearts worldwide, as did her newfound friendship with an exiled demigod named Maui.

Johnson, who plans to return to the fictional world to set sail with Moana, said, “I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen. This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me. I want to thank my partners at Disney for their strong commitment to this special endeavor, because there is no better world for us to honour the story of our people, our passion and our purpose than through the realm of music and dance, which is at the core of who we are as Polynesian people.”

Native Hawaiian actor Cravalho, who helped shape Moana in the original film, said the beloved protagonist’s reach is sweeping. “She has had such a profound impact on how we think of Disney princesses,” Cravalho said. “Moana’s strength and perseverance are inspiring—to audiences around the world, to me and to everyone who helped bring her to life. I’m looking forward to sharing her story in a whole new way.”

Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production (Disney Live Action), said the film would join a successful lineup of live-action adaptations that include 2017’s “Beauty and the Beast,” 2019’s “Aladdin” and the highly anticipated live-action version of “The Little Mermaid,” opening May 26. “It’s still early, but the idea of working with these fantastic partners to tell such a meaningful story on a live-action canvas, particularly as we celebrate 100 years of storytelling at Disney, is thrilling,” said Bailey.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” debuted in theatres on Nov. 23, 2016, grossing nearly $644 million in global box office. The title, which debuted on Disney+ with the streamer’s 2019 launch, is among the top 15 movies streamed in the United States in 2022. The film’s soundtrack, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina, was lauded worldwide. Miranda won a GRAMMY® for best song written for visual media (“How Far I’ll Go”), and an Oscar® nomination for best achievement in music written for motion pictures – original song (“How Far I’ll Go”). In 2021, the “Moana” soundtrack broke a Billboard Soundtrack chart record for the amount of time spent at number one (52 weeks). Additionally, the film was nominated for an Academy Award (best animated feature film of the year), a BAFTA (best animated feature film) and a pair of Golden Globes® (best motion picture – animated and best original song (“How Far I’ll Go”)).

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to win a MOANA Blu-ray Combo Pack!

Synopsis:
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana,” the sweeping story of a spirited teenager who sets sail on a daring adventure to save her people, starring newcomer Auli‘i Cravalho as the voice of brave and tenacious Moana and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (HBO’s “Ballers,” “Central Intelligence”) as the larger-than-life demigod Maui, has dazzled both critics and audiences. The film earned a 95% critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Canadian Readers only please.

MOANA sets a new course, arriving to homes on Digital HD/3D on February 21, 2017 and on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on March 7, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

©2016 Disney

For a third straight week, ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY dominates the Box Office with $50.8 million from 4,157 theatres across North America.  In its North American run it has made $441 million thus far for Disney. This makes it 2016’s second-highest grossing Film, behind FINDING DORY (also, Disney) which earned $486.3 million this year.

SING continues to be highly bankable for Universal Pictures, in second with $42.5 million from 4,209 theatres. In its two-week run, it has made $179 million already domestically.

PASSENGERS is in third this weekend for Sony Pictures with $15.5 million, a total of $65 million over two weeks.

MOANA is in fourth with $10.4 million for Disney, a six week total of $212.8 million.

FENCES is performing strongly, placing fifth with $$9.9 million for Paramount Pictures from 2,301 theatres, totaling $32 million over three weeks. It has an impeccable 95% score on the Tomatometer, with an A- CinemaScore.

LA LA LAND is in sixth with $9.4 million from only 750 theatres across North America. It has made $36.8 million already as it continues to expand over four weeks.

WHY HIM? is in seventh with $8.6 million for 20th Century Fox, a total $35.7 million in two weeks.

MANCHESTER BY THE SEA rounds-out the Top Ten with $3.9 million, a total $29.3 million in seven weeks.

What I love most about working with Team Mr. Will is that we really are connected on a deep level as true lovers of Film. We all at some point were that passionate fan who queued hours in rush lines at Festivals or fought valiantly to win a contest to an Advance Screening. Despite our eclectic tastes, we work with open minds and are a judgment-free zone. We read each other’s reviews, learn and grow from one another. Although it sometimes is a great challenge splitting titles among our team, it always is love and somehow always works out in the end. We’re Filmgoers just like you with lives, jobs and school, but no matter what there always is time for our greatest passion, Film.

Whether it be Jon Godfrey‘s artistic and aesthetic sensibility, David Baldwin‘s great attunement to detail, George Kozera‘s energy and wit, Justin Waldman‘s infectious passion for Sci-Fi and Animation, Siobhán Rich‘s vast knowledge and versatility or Amanda Gilmore‘s fresh on-the-pulse perspective, we all have a unique voice that comes together in harmony as a rich, complex chord.

 See our Team’s Ten Best-Of 2016 Lists.

Which speak loudest to you? Which inspire you to expand your cinematic horizons?

Mr. Will

SIOBHÁN RICH (@Typo_Eh)

This has been such a great year for Film I would have preferred to submit a Top Twenty list. My alphabetical Top Ten leaves off the fantastic Animated Movie The Red Turtle, Mark Duplass’ touching Black and White Film Blue Jay, the brilliant Documentary Tower, and great Oscar hopefuls like Nocturnal Animals, Twentieth Century Women and A Monster Calls. So, if those got left off my list imagine how great these ten Movies are!

Angry Indian Goddesses
Cameraperson
Everybody Wants Some!!
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Kubo and the Two Strings
Loving
Moonlight
Paterson
Toni Erdmann
The Women’s Balcony

JON GODFREY (@Skot_Somers)

Instead of explaining each Film, I’ll explain my method for making this list. I’ve been doing this for many years now, and I’ve grown honest enough with myself to know that what I like may not be for everyone. Be that as it may, in the last twelve months these are the Films that left the greatest impression on me. These are the Films I enjoyed on the big screen, or at home on TV. These are the Films I lost myself in, or enjoyed with the people I love. These are the Films that made me feel like a kid again, or helped me grow as a man. For me, these have been the Ten Best Films of 2016.

1. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
2. Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice
3. Loving
4. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
5. Eight Days a Week
6. Shin Godzilla
7. Moonlight
8. Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV
9. Knight of Cups
10. Warcraft

DAVID BALDWIN (@DaveMABaldwin)

When I look back at 2016, it is hard to believe how wild and chaotic a year it has been. While there were dozens of genuinely terrific Films, there were an immense amount of disappointments. I may be getting increasingly harder to please at the Movies, but the Top Ten Films for me this year challenged my expectations and each had a profound affect that have lasted long after the credits finished rolling.

1. Swiss Army Man
2. Nocturnal Animals
3. Arrival
4. La La Land
5. O.J.: Made in America
6. Zootopia
7. Hell or High Water
8. The Nice Guys
9. Moana
10. The Edge of Seventeen

JUSTIN WALDMAN (@DubsReviews)

This Top Ten list is in no particular order, but also self-explanatory. You have everything from must see blockbusters to small little things from brilliant Directors like Charlie Kaufman. While there may be some gigantic titles like that small space Indie about a galaxy far far away that everyone and their pets are seeing, but the small indies and the underrated Comedies must make my Top Ten list. 2016 was incredible, and these ten Movies are some of the best of the best.

Anomalisa
Bad Moms
The Edge of Seventeen
Deadpool
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Kubo and the Two Strings
La La Land
Loving
Moana
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

AMANDA GILMORE (@GilmoreAmanda)

The Top Ten Movies I have chosen for 2016 are varied from one another. There is a Film for everyone on this list. My list includes the most important Films from multiple genres and storylines.

1. La La Land
2. Moonlight
3. Arrival
4. Manchester By The Sea
5. Nocturnal Animals
6. 10 Cloverfield Lane
7. Zootopia
8. Jackie
9. Elle
10. Don’t Breathe

GEORGE KOZERA (@PartyG)

2016 may not have been a banner year for Movies for me personally, but since seeing it at TIFF ’16, I am still obsessed with Director Damien Chazelle’s musical masterpiece, followed closely by the most compelling Documentary I have seen since Hoop Dreams. Indie features, outstanding performances by female veterans (Meryl Streep and Sally Field), and an exciting new voice in Canadian Cinema rocked my world in 2016.

1. La La Land
2. OJ: Made in America
3. Closet Monster
4. Moonlight
5. Manchester by the Sea
6. Love and Friendship
7. Deadpool
8. Captain Fantastic
9. Florence Foster Jenkins
10. Hello, My Name is Doris

The Team Mr. Will 2016 Holiday Selfie

(L to R: Jon, Amanda, Dave, Siobhán + Justin)

Love these guys! The most passionate, eclectic and inspired team of Film Lover-slash-Writers whom I have the honour to work with. A lovely time catching-up at our Holiday Brunch. Can the #Manmosa be our official team beverage?🎄 Stay tuned for their Ten Bests of #2016!

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Dec 17, 2016 at 1:33pm PST

…and of course we can’t forget George + our official Team Mascot, “Princess” (@APicByMrWill)

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/eOne Films/Elevation Pictures/Fox Searchlight/Universal Pictures/The Orchard/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada/ESPN Films)