Moana 2: Disney reveals older Moana, announces sequel release date

Disney has released a new image from Moana 2, the recently announced sequel to the hit 2016 animated film starring Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, and the titular heroine is looking noticeably older and ready for further adventures.

A Disney announcement explains that the sequel will take place three years after the events of the first film. "Moana is on an expansive journey in search of people beyond the shores of Motunui," the studio says. "Joined by Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced."

Both Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original movie in her breakout role, and Johnson, who voiced the Hawaiian god Maui, are reprising their roles in Moana 2.

In February, Disney surprised fans with the announcement that "Moana 2" would be heading to theaters in November. Originally conceived as a television series, CEO Bob Iger was so impressed with the project's progress that he greenlit a full theatrical release.

While the return of Dwayne Johnson and Auli'i Cravalho as the voices of Maui and Moana was initially uncertain, both stars have since confirmed their participation. However, Lin-Manuel Miranda, who contributed to the original film's music, will not be involved in the sequel. Instead, his collaborators Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa'i will join forces with Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy Award-winners for their "Unofficial Bridgerton Musical", to compose fresh, original songs.

Interestingly, Disney is also working on a separate, live-action adaptation of "Moana".