Much as Toy Story 2 almost went direct to video, the sequel to 2016’s Moana was almost a limited series for Disney+. Luckily, cooler heads prevailed, and now the follow-up to Disney’s Oceania-set mystical adventure has a big theatrical outing, arriving just ahead of the live action remale.
How to watch Moana 2 in New Zealand
Moana 2 arrives in New Zealand cinemas on November 28, 2024.
Moana 2
What is Moana 2 about?
Three years after the events of the first film, Moana heeds the call to adventure from the spirits of her ancestors. Reuniting with dad-bod demigod Maui, she puts together a crew of hearty heroes to set off across the ocean and lift the curse that the god Nalo placed on the hidden island of Motufet, battling various supernatural threats along the way.
Interestingly, the film is being released in four Oceanic languages in addition to the English version: Hawaiian, Māori, Tahitian, and Samoan.
The cast of Moana 2
Auliʻi Cravalho returns as Moana, along with Dwayne Johnson as the demigod Maui. Plus there’s Temuera Morrison as Moana’s father, chief Tui; Nicole Scherzinger as Sina, Moana’s mother; Rachel House as Tala, Moana’s paternal grandmother, who returns as a manta ray spirit; and, crucially, Alan Tudyk as Heihei, Moana’s pet rooster.
New to the cast are Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Simea, Moana’s little sister; Rose Matafeo, David Fane, and Hualālai Chung as members of Moana’s wayfarer crew; Awhimai Fraser as the villainous Matangi; Gerald Ramsey as Moana’s ancestor, Tautai Vasa; and, in a cute bit of casting/nepotism, Johnson’s daughters Jasmine and Tiana voice Moana’s fan club, the Moana-bes.
Moana 2 trailer
Why we’re excited about Moana 2
Well, the first film was an absolute delight, and this certainly promises more of the same. Obviously it won’t be the breath of fresh sea air that the original was after so many Euro-centric Disney fairy tales, but we’re keen for a dash of tropical adventure.
