The hit Disney movie, Moana, is making a return to the big screen with a surprise announcement of a film sequel set to be released this year.
The 2016 release, which detailed the story of a bold Polynesian girl on a quest to save her people, was a box office success. Originally planned as a Disney+ series, the company has now opted for a theatrical release in response to underwhelming big screen performances in recent times. The sequel is set to go head to head with the first Wicked film on November 27.
Disney has released a brief teaser showcasing Moana at the shore, blowing into a shell. The new animated musical promises to take audiences on a fresh adventure with Moana, Maui, and a new crew.
This follow-up story will see Moana embarking on a perilous journey to far seas, after being beckoned by her ancestors. Unlike the original, Lin-Manuel Miranda will not be contributing to the music, with four composers, including emerging talents Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, taking the reins.
According to Disney chief executive Bob Iger, the original Moana was the most streamed movie of 2023 on any platform in the US.
This success spurred Disney’s decision to move the sequel from a series to a theatrical release. The live-action version is also in development, with Dwayne Johnson set to reprise his role as the character Maui.
The decision to release Moana 2 in cinemas signifies Disney’s commitment to generating box office hits, rather than focusing solely on streaming platforms.
This is especially noteworthy following the underperformance of their last two original films. Additionally, the company has hinted at a shift towards more sequels and franchises, as indicated by the lackluster showings of The Marvels and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny in 2023.
It is to be noted that alongside the Moana 2 announcement, Disney also revealed plans for the concert film of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour to premiere on Disney+, and an acquisition of a $1.5 billion stake in Fortnite creator Epic Games.
With these developments, it is apparent that Disney is keen on diversifying its content offerings.
