'Moana 2' draws inspiration from Disney classics like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast

As Moana 2 sails into theaters, fans of the original film are excited to reunite with Moana and Maui.

However, the creative team behind the sequel, including directors Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush, and songwriting duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, revealed that their inspiration went beyond the original Moana movie.

During a Critics Choice Association roundtable, Bush and Hand pointed to The Little Mermaid as a significant influence, particularly its music and emotional depth. Hand shared that the film taught him the power of storytelling through song, a sentiment echoed by Bush. Both emphasized how The Little Mermaid helped them understand how songs can convey raw emotion and provide deeper insight into a character's journey.

Barlow and Bear, while also citing The Little Mermaid, were inspired by Beauty and the Beast—specifically the opening number, "Belle." The duo noted how the song’s perfect balance of storytelling and music influenced their own work on Moana 2, especially the song "We're Back."

For co-director Dana Ledoux Miller, the legacy of Disney’s past was balanced with her own Pacific roots, which played a key role in shaping the film's cultural authenticity. Along with the in-house Oceanic Cultural Trust, Ledoux Miller emphasized that the team worked closely with cultural experts to ensure Moana’s journey was both true to Pacific traditions and Disney’s storytelling legacy.

Moana 2 is now in theaters, celebrating both its Disney heritage and the rich cultural backdrop of the Pacific.