The teaser trailer, approximately twenty seconds long, starts with a shot of ocean waves lapping onto a sandy island shore, splashing the feet of an unknown figure. Reaching for a large pink conch shell attached to their hip, we are able to determine that the figure is Moana herself. Blowing into the shell, creating a majestic, horn-like sound, the camera angle zooms out, showing the darkened silhouette of Moana against a tropical sunset. The trailer suddenly cuts to black, and the Moana 2 title fades onto the screen with a portion of the song "Tulou Tagaloa" playing in the background.
Both Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson are returning to voice their iconic characters, Moana and Maui, in the upcoming sequel, much to the excitement and relief of Moana fans. However, the renowned songwriter and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda will not return to compose the soundtrack. Instead, Grammy nominees Abiligail Barlow and Emily Bear will join Moana composers Opetaia Foa'i and Mark Mancina to create the musical magic for Moana 2. Although I'm slightly disappointed about the change in direction for the music in this film, I'm excited to hear what Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, and the rest of the Moana 2 musical team are planning for this film.
Disney, in addition to the teaser trailer, unveiled the official film synopsis for Moana 2 earlier this year. It reads, "Moana journeys to the far seas of Oceania after receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors." Like many Disney fans and critics, I can only imagine what this synopsis could mean for Moana and Maui, as the ending of Moana left plenty of room for continued world-building.
Until last week, the official film synopsis and teaser trailer were about the extent of the news the media and public had received for Moana 2. But last Wednesday morning, a new movie still was released, and fans were given an exciting new look at the visuals for the upcoming sequel.
The still (a photograph from the upcoming movie) is an image of Moana with a determined expression on her face, holding her iconic boat paddle, complete with an etching of Maui's fish hook and a little heart. Her face and jaw appear more firmly set, and her hair is distinctly longer and curlier. Disney has recently confirmed that Moana's age in Moana 2 is 19, making the sequel set three years after the event of Moana. Many people have pointed out that her more developed appearance is reminiscent of her late grandmother, Tala. What I believe to be the most intriguing thing about this image is what (or who) is in the background. There appears to be some sort of giant creature or island looming behind Moana with a tentacle-like surface and multiple sets of eyes. I'm curious how this island or creature is important to the story of Moana 2. Are there more gods like Te Fiti in the ocean? If so, what is their purpose? Why is Moana journeying to the far seas? All of these questions and more have yet to be answered.
I'm excited to get more information on this movie as it is revealed leading up to Moana 2's late 2024 release. Watching Moana in theaters as an eleven-year-old and hopefully getting to watch Moana 2 later this year feels like a full-circle moment, as I'll be the same age as Moana in June. The movie Moana holds a very special place in my heart, and it's one of my favorite animated Disney movies of all time. I have high expectations for the sequel and hope it'll live up to the hype.
Thanks for reading!:)
Link to Moana 2 teaser trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZSywj-vkxA
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