'Moana 2' Announced For Release in 2024
Seemingly out of the blue, Disney Animation Studios has released an eye-watering announcement in regards to one of the studio’s most recent large-scale successes.
In advance of Disney's fiscal first-quarter results announcement, Bob Iger revealed on CNBC that an upcoming sequel to the critically acclaimed 2016 animated picture, Moana, will make its unexpected theatrical debut on November 27.
The announcement on the network comes bundled with a promotional picture,as well as a short, seventeen second trailer on Disney Animation Studios’YouTube page. The trailer is vague and doesn’t convey any significant plot developments.
However, Disney has released a short summary talking about the film’s story: “‘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 andinto dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.”
The film was originally in development as the previously announced Moana TV series for Disney+. But bossess were apparently "so impressed" with what they saw that they decided to rework it for theatrical release.
Another thing to note, this piece of news is particularly shocking, when considering Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, co-lead in the original film, announced they would be creating a live-action remake of the original. This particular piece of news dropped less than a year ago, so a sequel also being in development has caught many by surprise.
Dave Derrick Jr., who was a story artist the previous movie, will helm the follow-up, which will feature music by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, as well as Opetaia Foa'i and Mark Mancina.
The original boasted close to $630 million at the worldwide box office, while also taking in $147 million in total domestic video sales. The film continues to be a success on Disney+ as well, becoming the #1 most streamed film of any service last year.
Justin Wlosko is a Georgia-based Journalism and International Affairs student with an immense admiration for animation. Growing up on television, he appreciates every element of broadcasted production-- from the advertisements to the bumpers. He has a strong sense of optimism for the world of animation and feels like keeping up with the news surrounding the medium is intriguing and integral. Outside of that, he enjoys studying languages, watching sports, and exercising as much as possible. Find him on YouTube
