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‘Moana’ Star Speaks Out, Reveals Future of the Franchise

moana
Credit: Disney

Moana made a splash in the hearts of fans back in 2016, and she is still showing the way nearly eight years after the Disney film was released.

Disney’s Moana movie is a breathtaking tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of cultural heritage. Released in 2016, this animated masterpiece follows the journey of a spirited Polynesian teenager named Moana as she sets sail on a daring adventure to save her island and discover her true destiny.

maui, moana, hei-hei, and pua

Credit: Disney

Fans have been wishing for significant updates on the Moana sequel and Moana live-action. Auliʻi Cravalho, known for her portrayal of Moana in the 2016 animated film, recently expressed her excitement about the expansion of the Moana franchise with both a live-action remake and an animated sequel.

CBR and Variety interviewed Auliʻi Cravalho, who said,

“I feel like the Moana universe is expanding and I love that. I love that Moana is a hero to all. It changed what it meant to be a Disney princess. You can be strong and brave and stand up against a demigod…It feels really good that more and more generations are going to be able to relate to this character.”

With her positivity towards Moana, fans hoped she would return to play the Disney princess in the live-action film. The live-action Moana was announced in April 2023, with Dwayne Johnson set to reprise his role as Maui. However, Cravalho will not be returning to her role in the live-action adaptation.

moana rowing in "How far I'll go"

Credit: Disney

While Auli’i Cravalho will not return, she has made it known that she will return to help find the next actress to embody Moana’s courageous spirit, wit, and emotional strength. Cravalho is not returning as Moana in the live-action film makes fans wonder if she will return to the Moana sequel. While Cravalho did not give any details on Moana 2 or the live-action version of the film, she commented during the interview, saying she “could feel Mickey Mouse breathing down my neck.

Moana fans can anticipate the theatrical release of Moana 2 on November 27, 2024, followed by the live-action remake on June 27, 2025.

Moana 2

Credit: Disney

While not much information about the sequel or the live-action version of the film has been announced, Disney Dining will continue to update fans with updates as they become available.

About Brittni Ward

Brittni is a Disney and Universal fan; one of her favorite things at both parks is collecting popcorn buckets. While at Disney World Resort, Brittni meets the princesses and rides Kilimanjaro Safaris. At Universal, Brittni enjoys the Minions and watching Animal Actors on Location! When not at Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando, Brittni spends time with her family and pets.