Disney Head Explains Why Animated Moana Fans Should Be Excited for a Live-Action Movie

Disney Head Explains Why Animated Moana Fans Should Be Excited for a Live-Action Movie

As someone who grew up with Disney‘s beloved films like Aladdin and The Little Mermaid, I was thrilled to see Moana back in action (or should I say, sailing) again! Being a child of Polynesian descent, it was heartening to see my culture represented so beautifully in the original film. Now, with the release of Moana 2, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia mixed with anticipation.


This weekend, you can catch the sequel to the 2016 Disney animated smash hit Moana, titled Moana 2. However, if you’re looking for a live-action version of the story, mark your calendars for 2026. That’s when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (as the charming demigod Maui) and Catherine Laga’aia (portraying Moana) will bring the tale to life on the big screen.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jared Bush, the co-writer and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, at the premiere of “Moana 2” in Hawaii. When posed the question about how the live-action and animated versions could harmonize, Bush expressed his desire to offer viewers something fresh and innovative.

In simpler terms, Bush stated that for both animation and live-action productions, they focus on what each medium excels at most. On the live-action side, this means portraying real humans in challenging situations like being out on the open sea, which creates a unique and authentic feeling.

When it comes to delivering fun, captivating entertainment with stunning visuals and a touch of magic, there’s no doubt that they excel in this area. By emphasizing these strengths, I believe that sets their tales apart from others and offers the audience an unique experience.

What is Moana 2 About?

In a continuation of the blockbuster 2016 Disney movie that garnered over $600 million globally, comes “Moana 2.” The new storyline features Moana’s younger sister Simea (voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda) joining forces with Moana and Maui for another thrilling journey. Three years after their initial adventure, the duo reunites for an extensive voyage, this time accompanied by a motley crew of seasoned sailors. When Moana receives a mysterious summons from her ancestors’ wayfinding spirits, she embarks on a perilous quest to the farthest reaches of Oceania and unexplored, treacherous waters, facing challenges unlike any she has encountered before.

Beyond just that, the movie will delve into Maui’s development since his last appearance on the silver screen. At present, it’s anticipated that “Moana 2” could shatter the Thanksgiving weekend box office record, potentially outdoing the record set by “Frozen II,” which was released in 2019.

In this new version, you can say: “The upcoming film Moana 2 is being directed by the trio of David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller. The sequel’s producers are Christina Chen and Yvett Merino. Furthermore, Moana 2 boasts music from Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, nominee Opetaia Foaʻi, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.

Moana 2 sails into theaters on November 27th.

Read More

2024-11-26 22:09