“Moana” was released in 2016 and quickly became one of Disney’s most beloved animated films. The movie told the story of a brave young girl who sails across the ocean to save her island. It was praised for its stunning animation, memorable songs, and strong cultural representation. Audiences around the world loved Moana and her journey. Naturally, many people began asking, “When will we get a sequel?”
However, years passed with no sign of “Moana 2.” Fans grew impatient, wondering what was taking so long. Now that a sequel has already been released, it’s a good time to look back and understand why it took nearly a decade for Disney to make it. The reasons are more complex than many might think. They involve creative choices, corporate strategy, and even a global pandemic. Let’s dive into the details and explore what delayed “Moana 2.”
Creative Decisions and Story Development
Making a great animated film takes time. It’s not just about drawing characters and writing dialogue. A powerful story is the heart of any film, and Disney is known for taking its time to get that story right. After the success of the first movie, Disney didn’t want to rush a sequel that might not live up to the original.
The filmmakers needed a strong idea. They had to decide what kind of story to tell next. Should Moana stay on her island? Go on another voyage? Meet new characters? These questions are not easy to answer. Writers and directors often go through many versions of a script before finding the one that works.
Disney also likes to give space between sequels to avoid overloading the audience. This helps make sure the second film feels fresh and not just like a copy of the first.
Shift in Disney’s Animation Strategy
Another reason for the delay was Disney’s focus on other projects. After “Moana,” the studio released several new original films, including “Raya and the Last Dragon,” “Encanto,” and “Frozen II.” Each of these projects required time, talent, and resources.
Disney’s animation teams can only work on so many films at once. With new stories taking priority, a sequel to “Moana” had to wait its turn. The studio also began exploring different platforms, like Disney+, which shifted some attention away from theatrical releases.
During this time, Disney was also experimenting with how to connect their animated stories across different media. They developed spin-offs, series, and short films. In 2021, Disney announced a “Moana” TV series for Disney+. This raised hopes for more content but also confused fans about whether a proper sequel would happen.
Leadership Changes and Company Restructuring
Behind the scenes, Disney went through some major changes. Executives came and went, and the company restructured parts of its film and streaming divisions. These changes often lead to shifts in what projects get greenlit and when.
Bob Iger, who was Disney’s CEO during the first “Moana,” stepped down in 2020 and was replaced by Bob Chapek. Chapek had a different vision for the company, focusing more on streaming and less on big theatrical movies. That might have slowed down plans for a “Moana” sequel.
However, Iger returned to the role in 2022. His comeback brought renewed focus on quality storytelling and beloved franchises. This may have helped speed up plans for “Moana 2.”
The Impact of COVID-19
The global pandemic had a major effect on the entire entertainment industry. Film productions were delayed, studios shut down, and many workers had to adapt to working from home. Animation, which already takes years to complete, was hit hard.
Although animators could work remotely to some extent, it wasn’t the same as working in a studio. Collaboration became more difficult, and progress slowed. Travel restrictions also limited research trips that are often part of the creative process. For a film like “Moana,” which celebrates Polynesian culture, these trips are very important.
COVID-19 also changed how movies were released. Disney had to rethink its release schedule and decide whether to focus on theaters or streaming platforms. This uncertainty delayed many projects, including “Moana 2.”
Choosing the Right Time to Release
Even when a sequel is ready, studios want to release it at the right time. Timing is everything in Hollywood. Disney had to consider what other movies were coming out, what audiences were excited about, and how well theaters were doing post-pandemic.
They didn’t want “Moana 2” to get lost among other big films. Waiting a bit longer allowed Disney to build more excitement and choose a time when more families were ready to return to theaters.
Releasing the movie too soon could have hurt its success. By waiting, Disney ensured that the film would get the attention it deserves.
Casting and Voice Actor Availability
Another challenge with sequels is getting the original cast back. Auli’i Cravalho, the voice of Moana, was still young when she made the first film. Over time, her voice changed. This presented a challenge: Should she continue voicing Moana, or should a new actor take over?
Eventually, it was announced that Cravalho would not voice Moana in the live-action remake but might still be involved in the animated sequel. Casting decisions like these take time and can slow down a project.
Dwayne Johnson, who voiced Maui, is a busy actor with many projects. Scheduling him for voice work isn’t always easy. These kinds of delays are common with big-name actors.
Animation Technology and Quality Standards
Animation is a very detailed and time-consuming process. Disney uses state-of-the-art technology to make its films look amazing. Since 2016, animation tools and software have improved, but using new tools also means training artists and adjusting workflows.
Disney takes pride in creating breathtaking visuals. For a movie like “Moana 2,” which features oceans, islands, and magical creatures, the animation needs to be top-notch. Achieving that level of quality takes years.
Also, each Disney movie sets a new bar for visual storytelling. The success of films like “Encanto” raised the standard even higher. The team working on “Moana 2” wanted to make sure it met—and possibly exceeded—those expectations.
Respecting Cultural Representation
A big part of what made the first “Moana” special was its respectful and accurate portrayal of Polynesian culture. Disney worked closely with cultural experts and advisors to make sure everything from the songs to the clothing felt authentic.
Doing this takes time and care. For the sequel, Disney had to return to those same communities and consult again. They wanted to tell a story that was not only entertaining but also meaningful and respectful.
Rushing that process could have led to mistakes or disrespect. By taking their time, the filmmakers showed a commitment to doing it right.
The Surprise Announcement and Change of Plans
In early 2024, Disney made a surprising announcement: “Moana 2” would be released in theaters in November 2024. Until then, fans had only heard about a Disney+ series. The sudden shift from a series to a full theatrical movie surprised many people.
Reports later revealed that the planned series was expanded into a full-length movie. This explained part of the delay. It wasn’t just about making a sequel—it was about changing the format and expanding the story.
Turning a series into a movie involves more work, more animation, and more planning. But it also means a bigger and better experience for fans.
Conclusion
Making a movie like “Moana 2” isn’t easy. It involves creativity, planning, and patience. Disney wanted to make sure the sequel lived up to the first film’s legacy. They faced delays from creative decisions, company changes, the pandemic, and even casting schedules. But in the end, the goal was always the same: to tell a story that would inspire and delight audiences.
Now, after almost a decade, “Moana 2” was released. The wait has been long, but fans can look forward to another beautiful adventure on the open sea. And if the first film taught us anything, it’s that the journey is just as important as the destination.
