Disney CEO Bob Iger made a recent announcement about the highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2. However, one crucial piece of information was missing from his statement – whether Dwayne Johnson will reprise his role as the demigod Maui. The omission left fans speculating about the involvement of the beloved actor.
Fortunately, Deadline has learned that Dwayne Johnson is currently in talks for Moana 2, and the prospects look promising. As Maui famously says, “You’re welcome,” and fans can undoubtedly echo that sentiment regarding the potential return of Johnson. However, it’s important to note that the discussions regarding Auli’i Cravalho’s involvement as the voice of Moana are not as advanced as Johnson’s negotiations.
Back in May, Cravalho herself announced on social media that she would not be reprising her role as Moana in the live-action version of the movie. In her heartfelt message, she expressed her honor in passing the baton to another young woman of Pacific Island descent and emphasized the importance of representing Pacific cultures and communities. While negotiations may be ongoing, it seems less likely that Cravalho will return to voice Moana in the sequel.
Interestingly, Iger mentioned that the decision to create Moana 2 as a theatrical sequel stemmed from the studio’s enthusiasm for the Disney+ series they had in development. The success and potential of the series propelled the studio to transform it into a full-fledged movie experience. The sequel, directed by Dave Derrick Jr., brings forth a talented team of Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.
However, one notable absence from Moana 2 is the music of Lin-Manuel Miranda. The award-winning composer and songwriter received an Oscar nomination for his contribution to the original movie with the hit song “How Far I’ll Go.” Fans of Miranda’s musical talent and distinct style will surely miss his involvement in the sequel.
As the original Moana was set to have a live-action adaptation with Dwayne Johnson starring and producing under his Seven Bucks label, one might wonder about its progress. Unfortunately, the live-action film will not stick to its original release date of June 27, 2025. It seems that Disney needs to find another theatrical release to fill in that slot.
While the negotiations for Dwayne Johnson’s return in Moana 2 appear promising, the final agreements have yet to be made. Similarly, Auli’i Cravalho’s potential involvement remains uncertain. Fans eagerly await official confirmations and announcements from the studio regarding the cast and other details of the highly anticipated sequel.
With talks underway for the return of Dwayne Johnson as Maui, Moana 2 holds the promise of continuing the magical and adventurous journey that captured hearts in the original film. Although some key elements may be missing from the sequel, such as Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music and Auli’i Cravalho’s potential absence, fans can still look forward to the creative efforts of the talented team involved in the production. Stay tuned for further updates on the exciting world of Moana 2.