The last few years have been tumultuous for the House of Mouse, as some of their biggest releases didn’t land well among critics and fans. This is especially notable in their animated division, which isn’t exactly thriving, with both Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios failing to live up to their potential with their last major releases.
However, with the sequel to one of the best Disney animated releases of 2010 set to release later this year, which will see Dwayne Johnson return, things might change for the better.
The trailer for Dwayne Johnson’s Moana 2 Has Fans Excited
It has been three years since Walt Disney Animation Studios released Encanto, which was revered by both fans and critics and deservedly earned itself an Oscar win for Best Animated Release. However, since then, the animated studio has visibly struggled with its last two releases, which involved Strange World and Wish, with the former becoming one of Disney’s biggest box-office flops. Pixar has also struggled to live up to its reputation, as Lightyear became one of its biggest box-office flops, and while Elemental wasn’t bad by any means, it also didn’t break any new ground.
Moreover, Disney’s reliance on making live-action remakes of animated classics also hasn’t sat well with fans, and many vented their frustration after it was revealed a Moana remake was on the cards.
But before the live-action remake, which has now been pushed back to 2026, a sequel to Moana is set to debut later this year, and the trailer for it has left fans enticed. With Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui alongside Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana, fans are assured this will change Disney’s tides.
Holy shit this animation is amazing
— Alex (RANGERS WORLD SERIES CHAMPS🔥🔥) (@DFWAlex2289) May 29, 2024
This looks good. Moana was an amazing film with great songs. I hope this sequel can be on the same level.
— Eddie (@OHMYDIAZ) May 29, 2024
1 like = 1 Hei Hei appreciation pic.twitter.com/rbVNjiDYpz
— EXG (@exgpro) May 29, 2024
On the one hand, I really like the first one and I think there's potential in further exploring Polynesian mythology. On the other hand, Disney's track record w/ sequels is hit-or-miss.
Hopefully this one's fun.
— isi ọkpụkpụ (@uchedible) May 29, 2024
I can't say i expected a sequel at all but im all for it
— naomi ✨ (@iamnaaomixx) May 29, 2024
Considering, Maui is arguably the best role Johnson has played, maybe only second to his performance in Pain & Gain, it’s reasonable to see why the trailer is making a splash.
Moana 2 Was Initially Intended to Be a Disney Plus Series
Moana 2 was originally announced as a Disney Plus series, as Disney had no intentions of giving the sequel to one of the best-animated releases of the 2010s a theatrical release. However, per reports, Disney CEO Bob Iger was surprised by its quality and potential, and thus it was retooled into a feature film, which the House of Mouse will be hoping to turn out a boon for the company.
As of now, it can’t be said for certain if the sequel can replicate the original’s success, as blockbusters aren’t having a great time at the box office this year. But fans will desperately hope it’s a return to form for Disney animated releases and they can move back to creating classics again.
Moana 2 is slated to debut on 27 November 2024.
