History of Moana 2 in Timeline
Moana 2, a 2024 animated musical adventure film by Walt Disney Animation Studios, serves as a sequel to Moana (2016). Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, with a screenplay by Miller and Jared Bush, the film sees Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprising their roles. Set three years after the original, the plot revolves around Moana reuniting with Maui to assemble a crew of wayfinders. Their mission is to locate the lost island of Motufetu, break its curse, and restore connection among the ocean's people.
December 2020: Moana: The Series Announced
In December 2020, Jennifer Lee announced a musical comedy series, Moana: The Series, based on the 2016 film, was in development for Disney+ with a planned release in 2023.
August 2021: Osnat Shurer to Produce Moana: The Series
In August 2021, it was reported that Osnat Shurer would serve as producer for Moana: The Series.
2021: Barlow and Bear Recruited as Songwriters
In the fall of 2021, Walt Disney Music president Tom MacDougall recruited Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear as songwriters for Moana 2, after being impressed by their work on The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical.
2021: Miranda Unavailable for Moana 2 Due to Timing
In the second half of 2021, Lin-Manuel Miranda was too busy with Encanto and other projects, which made him unavailable for Moana 2.
January 2022: David Derrick Jr. to Write and Direct Moana: The Series
In January 2022, David Derrick Jr. was announced as the writer and director for Moana: The Series.
2022: Barlow and Bear Begin Working on Moana 2 Songs
In 2022, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear began working with the production team on writing songs for Moana 2.
2022: Miranda Starts Work on Mufasa: The Lion King
In early 2022, Lin-Manuel Miranda started work on Mufasa: The Lion King, while Disney Animation moved forward with Barlow and Bear for Moana 2.
January 2024: Moana Series Shift to Feature Film
In January 2024, Alan Bergman informed the team that the Moana series needed to shift from a five-episode streaming series to a second Moana feature film.
February 2024: Moana 2 Officially Announced
In February 2024, Disney CEO Bob Iger officially announced that the Moana series had been reworked into a theatrical sequel titled Moana 2, with Derrick and Shurer remaining attached. Disney executives were impressed by early footage, which led to the decision to release it theatrically.
February 2024: Moana Sequel Reworked
In February 2024, the Moana sequel, originally planned as a miniseries for Disney+, was reworked into a theatrical sequel. Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi returned as composers, and Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear joined as additional songwriters.
May 29, 2024: Moana 2 Trailer Release
On May 29, 2024, the first trailer for Moana 2 was released, garnering over 178 million views in its first 24 hours.
June 14, 2024: Moana 2 Sneak Peek at Annecy Film Festival
On June 14, 2024, a sneak peek of Moana 2 was screened at the 2024 Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
August 9, 2024: Cravalho and Johnson Promote Moana 2 at D23 Expo
On August 9, 2024, Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson appeared at the Disney Entertainment Showcase at the 2024 D23 Expo to promote Moana 2 and release a new trailer. Cravalho also performed a new song from the film.
November 7, 2024: Moana 2 Soundtrack and Single Revealed
On November 7, 2024, Disney revealed the full tracklist for the Moana 2 soundtrack, along with the first single "Beyond" by Auliʻi Cravalho.
November 21, 2024: Moana 2 Premiere
On November 21, 2024, Moana 2 premiered at the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute in Kapolei, Hawaii.
November 27, 2024: Moana 2 Theatrical Release
Moana 2 was released in theaters in the United States on November 27, 2024.
2024: Moana 2 Film Release
In 2024, Moana 2, an American animated musical adventure film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, was released.
January 19, 2025: Moana 2 Crosses $1 Billion Threshold
On January 19, 2025, Moana 2 crossed the $1 billion threshold, becoming the third film released in 2024 to achieve this milestone.
January 28, 2025: Moana 2 Digital Download Release
On January 28, 2025, Moana 2 was released as a digital download.
March 10, 2025: Moana 2 Grosses $1.05 Billion Worldwide
As of March 10, 2025, Moana 2 has grossed $460 million in the United States and Canada, and $596.7 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $1.05 billion.
March 12, 2025: Moana 2 Disney+ Release
Moana 2 is set to be released on Disney+ on March 12, 2025.
March 18, 2025: Moana 2 Physical Media Release
Moana 2 will be released on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on March 18, 2025.
2025: "Beyond" nominated for 2025 Society of Composers & Lyricists Award
The track "Beyond" was nominated for a 2025 Society of Composers & Lyricists Award for Outstanding Original Song for a Comedy or Musical Visual Media Production.
