Moana fans have been waiting to hear about sequel and now we know all about it

"It's Maui time!" Our favourites are back for Moana 2 and now we know what to expect thanks to a sneak peek preview!

Oars up, Moana fans; it's time to sail back to Montunui. Dwayne Johnson, aka Maui, shared a sneak peek of the surprise sequel at CinemaCon ahead of its November release recently and now it's been followed up with an official, extended trailer!

Disney debuted an exclusive sneak peek of footage of the David Derrick Jr.-directed film in front of theatre owners with the help of its superstar voice talent, Dwayne Johnson. He arrived on stage after a mini-performance from Polynesian dancers. Johnson is back for the new installment alongside actors from the original, including Auli’i Cravalho and others.

“As we say on the island, aloha,” Johnson said, dressed in trousers and a white tank top for the occasion. 

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Maui is back for Moana 2. Source: Getty Images

Is Dwayne Johnson coming back as Maui?

Yes, he is, you're welcome! (I couldn't help it!)

The fan-favourite, who is also set to star in the live-action film, shared that his character Maui is coming back for another adventure and gave an inside scoop about who the character was based on. 

“Playing the character of Maui is one of the most life-changing life experiences for me and life-changing roles.”

“It’s my culture; you guys can see I wear it on my chest, my body, my tattoo, and also the character of Maui was inspired by my grandfather, the high chief, Peter Maivia,” he said. “It’s so much deeper than a movie to me and I know it’s deeper for Disney, too.”

Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprise their voice roles in the animated Moana 2. 

RELATED: Fans divided over Disney's live-action remake of Moana

What is the storyline for Moana 2? 

The story picks up after Moana receives an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, so she sets off on a journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever faced. The clip features Moana singing a new song about being “back to who we’re meant to be” — and stunning visuals in the same vein as the original.

Johnson promised “an all-new crew, all new setting and, of course, new songs — you’re welcome,” he said, telling theatre owners it’s going to be the perfect escape this winter.

Although the sequel will feature entirely fresh melodies, the music harkens back to the original film as the islanders hum: “The village believes in her, the village believes…” 

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Lin-Manuel Miranda, who penned “How Far I’ll Go,” “You’re Welcome”, and other earworms from Moana, won’t be back for the sequel. 

Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, the duo behind “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical,” are writing new songs with Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina, who worked on the first film.

Disney's surprise announcement, Moana 2 coming to theatres November 2024. Source: Disney

RELATED: Moana 2 trailer has finally dropped! Here’s what we know so far

When will Moana 2 be released? 

The 2016 film became a success for Disney, grossing over $680 million at the global box office. It’s resonating with new generations after exploding in popularity last year on Disney+.

Moana 2 will hit theatres on November 27. 

Originally published as Moana fans have been waiting to hear about sequel and now we know all about it