Moana returns to the big screen in an exciting sequel set three years after her first adventure. Guided by a call from her ancestors, she embarks on a new quest across the Pacific Islands. The film features returning voices, including Cerise Calixte as Moana and Anthony Kavanagh as Maui. New characters and challenges enrich the narrative, showcasing Moana’s growth as she navigates her role as a big sister. Moana 2 is now captivating audiences in theaters.
Moana’s New Adventure Takes Flight
The beloved Disney character Moana is making her much-anticipated return to the big screen, eight years after the original animated film captivated audiences. Following her heroic act of returning the heart of Te Fiti, Moana finds herself back on her picturesque island of Motunui, where she takes on the vital role of guiding her people into a new age of exploration and reconnection with their ancestral navigational roots.
Exciting Developments in Moana 2
Set three years after the events of the first film, Moana embarks on an exhilarating new quest prompted by an unexpected call from her ancestors. This thrilling journey leads her into the treacherous waters surrounding the Pacific Islands, where new challenges await.
The film, co-directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, was unveiled unexpectedly in February 2024. Originally intended as a Disney+ series, the project underwent a transformation to become a feature film. The first installment was a phenomenal success, drawing in 5.6 million viewers in French theaters and grossing over $643 million globally.
In the French version of Moana 2, actress and singer Cerise Calixte returns to voice the beloved heroine, continuing her role from the first film. She also provided her voice for Halle Bailey in the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid released in 2023. Cerise performs a new theme song, “Going Further,” following her rendition of “The Blue Light” from the original film.
Returning to voice the demigod Maui is Canadian actor Anthony Kavanagh, taking over from Dwayne Johnson in the original version. Kavanagh has an impressive history of voicing animated characters, including Mushu in the Quebec version of Mulan and Ray in The Princess and the Frog.
Returning characters also include Mareva Galanter as Sina, Moana’s mother, and Jean-Luc Guizonne as Chief Tui, Moana’s father. Additionally, Charlie Dassin voices Simea, Moana’s spirited little sister, who looks up to her big sister with admiration.
Director Dana Ledoux Miller elaborates on Moana’s evolving character: “Moana’s world has shifted since she embraced her role as a big sister. Her new perspective adds depth to her relationship with her younger sibling, making it a beautiful connection that complicates her journey.”
This time, Moana is joined by a fresh crew of characters, including wise farmer Kele, voiced by Bruno Marcil, and the clever young Loto, voiced by Melissa Berard. Benoît Cauden lends his voice to Moni, a storyteller and fan of Maui.
Additionally, the mysterious Matangi, who commands the bats, is voiced by the talented singer Ana Ka, known for her role in The Voice and as Dolores in Encanto. The storm god Nalo, a formidable opponent for Moana, Maui, and their crew, is voiced by Asto Montcho.
As the film graces theaters, fans are invited to test their knowledge of Disney’s beloved secondary characters!
Moana 2 is now showing in theaters, ready to enchant audiences once again.