Disney Confirms 'Moana 3' in Development
Disney is expanding its beloved oceanic saga with the confirmation of a third installment of “Moana.” This announcement comes from Dwayne Johnson, the voice behind the charismatic demigod Maui, who shared the news during promotional activities for the upcoming live-action adaptation of the original film. The decision to proceed with a third animated feature underscores the franchise’s global appeal and impressive commercial performance, particularly following the monumental success of “Moana 2.”
The animated “Moana” series has established itself as a significant property for Disney, captivating audiences worldwide. The first film, released in 2016, achieved a respectable box office tally, but its popularity surged dramatically on Disney+, becoming one of the platform's most-streamed titles. This digital triumph prompted Disney to re-evaluate its strategy for the sequel, originally intended for streaming, and release “Moana 2” theatrically. This strategic pivot proved highly successful, with “Moana 2” earning over a billion dollars globally, cementing the franchise’s commercial viability and fan base.
The Future of the Moana Franchise
Dwayne Johnson, who lends his voice to the beloved character Maui, has officially revealed that “Moana 3” is in the works at Disney. This exciting news emerged during Johnson’s press tour for the forthcoming live-action adaptation of “Moana,” set to debut in theaters on July 10. He confirmed discussions regarding the third animated film, stating that renowned writers Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller are slated to pen the screenplay. This development signals Disney’s strong commitment to extending the narrative of the Polynesian heroine, building on the franchise's significant success on both the big screen and streaming platforms.
The confirmation of a third animated “Moana” film highlights the franchise's enduring popularity and financial strength. While the original 2016 film earned a substantial $680 million worldwide, its true breakthrough came on Disney+, where it consistently ranked among the most-watched titles. This massive streaming success prompted Disney to convert “Moana 2,” initially planned as a direct-to-streaming release, into a theatrical feature. This move paid off handsomely, with “Moana 2” achieving a record-setting Thanksgiving opening in 2024 and ultimately grossing an impressive $1.059 billion globally. Both Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho are expected to reprise their voice roles as Maui and Moana, respectively, for the threequel. Although plot details remain undisclosed, the ongoing narrative is anticipated to continue Moana's adventurous spirit, following her journey to explore hidden islands and confront ancient curses, as seen in the second film. The musical talent for the third installment is yet to be announced, with Lin-Manuel Miranda having contributed to the first film and Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear to the second.
Anticipated Cast and Creative Team
For the upcoming “Moana 3,” audiences can expect the return of the iconic voice cast that brought the beloved characters to life. Dwayne Johnson is anticipated to once again voice the mighty demigod Maui, bringing his signature charisma and vocal talent to the role. Auliʻi Cravalho is also expected to reprise her role as the adventurous titular heroine, Moana. While plot specifics for the third animated movie are still under wraps, it is confirmed that Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, who have been integral to the franchise’s storytelling, will be returning as writers. Their involvement ensures continuity in the narrative and character development, maintaining the magic and spirit that fans have come to love.
Before “Moana 3” reaches theaters, Disney is set to release its live-action rendition of the original film, further expanding the franchise’s universe. This live-action adaptation will feature Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui, with newcomer Catherine Laga’aia stepping into the shoes of Moana. The film is directed by Thomas Kail, marking his feature directorial debut, and the screenplay is also crafted by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. This sequential release strategy ensures that the “Moana” narrative remains prominent in the public consciousness, bridging the gap between animated sequels and offering a fresh take on the classic story. The creative consistency in retaining key writing talent and original voice actors underscores Disney's commitment to delivering a cohesive and high-quality experience across all iterations of the “Moana” saga.
