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In 2016, Disney introduced audiences to its first Polynesian princess in the breathtaking film Moana. With its stunning visuals, captivating story, and unforgettable music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Moana quickly became a fan favorite. Even nearly a decade later, the film’s popularity hasn’t waned—Moana was the most-streamed movie on Disney+ in 2023, proving its staying power.
Fast-forward to 2024, and fans were thrilled when Disney announced a sequel. Originally envisioned as a Disney+ series, Moana 2 underwent a dramatic transformation. Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed that the test footage impressed executives so much that they decided to turn the series into a feature film.
Credit: Walt Disney Animation Studios
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Fans and industry insiders alike were abuzz with excitement, and it was widely predicted to be one of Disney’s biggest hits of the year—until Inside Out 2 stole the spotlight by grossing over $1 billion at the box office.
On November 27, Moana 2 officially premiered, and as expected, it’s performing well financially. However, the film’s success has sparked an unexpected controversy, raising serious questions about Disney’s animation practices and the working conditions behind the scenes.
Behind-the-Scenes Challenges
One of the biggest points of contention revolves around where Moana 2 was animated. Most of Disney’s animated films are produced at the Walt Disney Company’s headquarters in Burbank, California. However, because Moana 2 started as a Disney+ project, it was created at Disney’s Animation Studios in Vancouver, Canada. On the surface, this might not seem like a major issue—until you consider the labor implications.
Credit: Disney
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Unlike their U.S.-based counterparts, Canadian animators at Disney’s Vancouver studio are not part of a union. This allowed Disney to pay them significantly less than unionized animators in California. The shift has raised eyebrows among animation industry insiders, many of whom are concerned about the precedent this sets. Could Disney, or even other studios, increasingly rely on non-unionized labor to cut costs?
To complicate matters, the production timeline for Moana 2 was unusually tight. Announced in February 2024, the film went from concept to release in just over a year—a process typically taking much longer for animated features. Many animators had to rework what was originally structured as episodic content into a cohesive feature-length story, which some have called “Frankenstein’s monster of a sequel.”
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The Bigger Picture
The financial success of Moana 2 could have long-term implications for Disney and the animation industry. If the film hits $1 billion at the box office, it might encourage the studio to prioritize profitability and speed over creativity and fair labor practices. This has sparked concerns that rushed production schedules and reliance on non-unionized labor could become the new normal.
Disney’s relationship with its animators has faced scrutiny in the past. In 2023, U.S.-based Walt Disney animators celebrated a milestone by voting to unionize after decades of effort. But their Canadian counterparts at the Vancouver studio remain without union representation—a status that might change in light of the controversy surrounding Moana 2.
Credit: Disney
Mixed Reactions from Fans
While the box office numbers look promising, audience reactions to Moana 2 have been mixed. Some viewers have criticized the film’s storyline, calling it “disjointed” and “disappointing.” Others have expressed frustration that the sequel doesn’t live up to the original’s emotional depth and narrative strength. These critiques highlight the challenges of reworking a Disney+ series into a feature film.
Still, we encourage fans to see the film and form their own opinions. Whether you’re drawn to Moana 2 for its beloved characters, breathtaking visuals, or catchy new tunes, there’s no denying that the movie has sparked important conversations about the future of animation.
What are your thoughts on Moana 2? Will you head to the theater or wait for its Disney+ release? Share your opinions in the comments below!
