This piece explores the enduring popularity of the animated film Moana, which has been a streaming sensation since its release. With Moana 2 set to premiere on November 27, anticipation is high, especially as ticket pre-sales break records. Despite the original film’s modest box office performance, its streaming success and cultural impact remain significant. The sequel promises a new adventure while retaining beloved characters, and Disney is also planning a live-action adaptation for next year.
Today, we delve into the enchanting world of an animated film that has captivated audiences for eight years. It’s the tale of a young girl from the Pacific Islands on a quest to discover her identity. Have you guessed it yet? Yes, it’s Moana, or Vaiana for those who prefer the French title!
Since Disney+ made its debut in late 2019, Moana has consistently ranked among the top four most-watched films across all streaming platforms each year, as reported by Nielsen data. Viewers have collectively spent an astonishing 80 billion minutes enjoying Moana, which translates to approximately 748 million viewings. The film has maintained a spot in the top 10 streaming films for nearly the entire year.
Excitement Builds for Moana 2
This impressive performance sets the stage for the highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2, set to hit theaters on November 27, coinciding with the popular Thanksgiving weekend in the United States. This release is expected to bolster the resurgence of Disney, which has already seen success this year with blockbuster titles like Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine and Alien: Romulus.
Fandango, the leading online ticketing service in the U.S., has reported that Moana 2 has achieved record-breaking ticket pre-sales for its opening day, outperforming other animated films this year, including Inside Out 2, which has amassed nearly $1.7 billion at the global box office since its release in June.
“Some well-informed sources suggest that Moana 2 could potentially eclipse the success of Inside Out 2,” stated Adam Aron, CEO of AMC Entertainment, the world’s largest theater chain, during an investor conference call on November 6.
Projections indicate that Moana 2 could generate up to $135 million in ticket sales across the U.S. and Canada during its five-day opening weekend, surpassing the original film’s opening weekend earnings of $82 million in 2016. While the first Moana film ultimately grossed $643 million globally, it didn’t quite make it into the top 30 highest-grossing animated films of all time. Nevertheless, it received two Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, albeit without a win.
The Streaming Sensation of Moana
Despite not ranking among the top 30 animated films in box office revenue, Moana has triumphed in the streaming arena. Its rise to prominence was fueled by its availability on Disney+, where it has become the most-watched animated film of all time, particularly following its online release during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Parents, like New Jersey’s Andrea Coppola, have noted how the film offered an escape for children and families during lockdowns.
The film’s soundtrack, crafted by Lin-Manuel Miranda, features powerful songs like ‘How Far I’ll Go’, contributing to its success. The album has sold 5.6 million copies, outpacing both Coco and Encanto combined.
Furthermore, Moana embraced a contemporary feminist narrative, showcasing a Disney princess on a thrilling journey. The animation, enhanced by vibrant tattoos, tribal attire, and bioluminescent waters, has captivated viewers worldwide. Kirsten Thompson, president of the cinema and media department at Seattle University, praised it as a “stunning visual feast.”
Originally intended as a series for Disney+, Moana 2 underwent a transformation when CEO Bob Iger sought a replacement for a Thanksgiving film that had been postponed. Alan Bergman, head of the film division, proposed condensing the series into a feature film format, adding more cinematic elements. Iger expressed his enthusiasm for the outcome.
“I’ve seen it six times,” he remarked at a recent fundraising event for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Unlike the original film, Moana 2 will not feature new music from Lin-Manuel Miranda. However, Auli’i Cravalho returns as Moana, along with Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui, the beloved demigod. Fans in France can also look forward to hearing familiar voices, as Cerise Calixte and Anthony Kavanagh will once again lend their talents to the main characters.
The sequel promises to take audiences on an exciting adventure as Moana and her diverse crew embark on a journey inspired by an unexpected invitation from her ancestors, leading them to the perilous waters surrounding the Pacific Islands.
Kirsten Thompson emphasized that the sequel should strive to create a unique experience and not merely rehash the original’s magic, suggesting it should feature a compelling soundtrack and a fresh storyline, possibly involving new islands or deeper underwater exploration.
Additionally, Disney has plans for a live-action adaptation of Moana scheduled for next year, ensuring that the conversation around this beloved character continues.
Mark your calendars: Moana 2 will premiere in Hawaii before making its way to theaters worldwide on November 27.
Check out the trailer below: