" The Polynesian ethnic import of the role and our story has touched families around the Earth and has well become one of my truest award to bring to liveliness and portion . "

It’s been nearly eight years sinceMoanawas first released in theaters, but the movie instantly became a Disney classic. In fact, it wasthe MOST-streamedmovie of 2023, clocking 11.6 BILLION minutes viewed.

After asurprise announcementin February,Moana 2will hit theaters way sooner than you’d think on 2 January 2025 — and here’s the first teaser.

Moana2 , only in dramaturgy Nov. 27 , 2024 🌊 pic.twitter.com/5XxGJ76i0y

Here’s everything we know about the highly-anticipated sequel so far:

1.This is the first-ever image released from the movie, and it gives us a look at Moana and Maui (and if you look closely, Pua and Hei Hei among a few others) setting off on their adventure under a sky full of stars. The film is set three years after the events of the original movie.

2.Moana herself, Auli’i Cravalho, is returning to voice the iconic character in the sequel. She shared the news withan exciting videowith the caption, “The feeling when you’re officially returning to Motunui.”

3.Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will also reprise his role as Maui, reflecting on how the role was inspired by his late grandfather.

4.Johnson also recently posted that he just wrapped his work as Maui on the film — and shared some of the sweetest pics with his daughter in the studio with him and called her “the greatest motivation.”

5.Lin-Manuel Miranda did not return to write the music forMoana 2. Instead, the creative team turned to musicians Barlow & Bear who (somewhatcontroversially) penned the popularBridgertonfan musical.

6.Development on the project started in 2020, when it was originally conceived as a TV series for Disney+. By the time of the Feb. 2024 surprise announcement this clearly changed and the rest is history.

7.Finally, plot details are fairly under wraps but here’s what we’ve got so far according to the official logline from Disney. “After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana journeys alongside Maui and a new crew to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.”

Sounds exciting! We’ll be sure to keep you updated as we continue to hear more about the project.

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“The Polynesian cultural significance of the role and our story has touched families around the world and has easily become one of my truest honors to bring to life and share."

Moana and Maui sail on a boat, exchanging determined looks. Moana wears a traditional Polynesian outfit; Maui has tattoos covering his arm and chest

Moana and Maui, from the movie "Moana," on a boat at sea with a glowing whale shark in the water below, set against a starry night sky

Auli'i Cravalho stands in front of Disney Animation Building with Sorcerer's Hat, smiling and excited. Text overlay: "The feeling when you're officially returning to Motunui."

Tweet from Dwayne Johnson about his return as Maui in Moana 2, highlighting cultural significance, new characters, and release date of November 27, 2023, #Moana2

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Auli'i Cravalho, and Dwayne Johnson at an event. Auli'i is wearing a blue dress with a floral hair accessory, and Dwayne has a floral lei

Performers dance in front of a screen displaying "Disney Moana 2, only in theaters November 21," with a tropical background

Moana stands on a beach at sunset with a paddle in the sand beside her, taking in the view. Palm trees and the ocean are visible

BuzzFeed celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a vibrant illustration of diverse individuals in traditional and contemporary attire

It’s been nearly eight years sinceMoanawas first released in theaters, but the movie instantly became a Disney classic. In fact, it wasthe MOST-streamedmovie of 2023, clocking 11.6 BILLION minutes viewed.#

After asurprise announcementin February,Moana 2will hit theaters way sooner than you’d think on 2 January 2025 — and here’s the first teaser.#

Moana2 , only in dramaturgy Nov. 27 , 2024 🌊 pic.twitter.com/5XxGJ76i0y#

Here’s everything we know about the highly-anticipated sequel so far:#

1.This is the first-ever image released from the movie, and it gives us a look at Moana and Maui (and if you look closely, Pua and Hei Hei among a few others) setting off on their adventure under a sky full of stars. The film is set three years after the events of the original movie.#

2.Moana herself, Auli’i Cravalho, is returning to voice the iconic character in the sequel. She shared the news withan exciting videowith the caption, “The feeling when you’re officially returning to Motunui.”#

3.Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will also reprise his role as Maui, reflecting on how the role was inspired by his late grandfather.#

4.Johnson also recently posted that he just wrapped his work as Maui on the film — and shared some of the sweetest pics with his daughter in the studio with him and called her “the greatest motivation.”#

5.Lin-Manuel Miranda did not return to write the music forMoana 2. Instead, the creative team turned to musicians Barlow & Bear who (somewhatcontroversially) penned the popularBridgertonfan musical.#

6.Development on the project started in 2020, when it was originally conceived as a TV series for Disney+. By the time of the Feb. 2024 surprise announcement this clearly changed and the rest is history.#

Sounds exciting! We’ll be sure to keep you updated as we continue to hear more about the project.#