When Moana premiered in 2016, we were swept away on a tidal wave of adventure, humor, gorgeous images and music that made us all feel “shiny!” So, when we heard the news that our favorite wayfinder, Moana, (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) and her intrepid traveling partner Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) will be sailing again, we were ready to be immersed in a new adventure! In Moana 2, we’ll venture to the far seas of Oceania along with some favorite Characters, both familiar and new, in an epic and musical return, coming to theaters November 27. We asked the new film’s directors, David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller to tell us a bit more about Moana’s new adventure, which is unlike anything she has ever faced before.
Q. How do you build a new story inspired by such a successful original?
A. Dana Ledoux Miller: “For me, starting a new story is about asking questions. What does being a wayfinder now mean for Moana and her community? Have her relationships changed? What kind of leader is she?
Q.Has Moana changed since we saw her in Moana?
A. Jason Hand: “She’s grown up. She’s facing bigger challenges and responsibilities as a leader. But she’s still the Moana we know and love: fun, adventurous, ready to go toe-to-toe with Maui.”
Q. Has the Character of Maui changed at all in his attitude toward Moana?
A. David Derrick Jr.: “He’s still Maui. In this new film, we see the depth of his friendship with Moana. After all, no one in Maui’s life has ever dared push back on him except Moana. It’s a big part of the humor in this film.”
Q.Are there new Characters we should look forward to meeting?
A. Jason Hand: “So many! There is Moana’s little sister, Simea, who’s as cute, funny and rambunctious as Moana is. And she might even have a surprising new crewmember from the Kakamora, who is very, very funny running around in his little coconut hat.”
Q. How do the actors’ performances influence the creation and depiction of the Characters?
A. David Derrick Jr.: “The actor brings a whole new layer to each Character. For instance, the actors voicing the crew did hilarious improvisational work that helped us shape their scenes. Auli’i jumped back into the character of Moana effortlessly, and Dwayne always brings so much energy and humor, he makes Maui so charming.”
Q. What is one of your favorite things about your experience working on the film?
A. Dana Ledoux Miller: “For me it has been the level of collaboration. It’s amazing. Everyone brings their own perspective. We’re all involved, and we all love what we’re creating. I guess you could say ‘it takes a village’ to create a film.”
Set your sails for the nearest AMC Theatre to experience an incredible journey with Moana 2. Remember to use your Disney Rewards Redemption Card when you buy your tickets via AMCTheatres.com or on the AMC Theatres Mobile App.1 We’ll “sea” you soon!
