Moana 2 Directors Comment On Whether The Character's Future Is On The Big Screen After Disney+ Switchup

Moana 2 directors David Derrick Jr. and Jason Hand give their views on the character’s future. The new movie is the follow-up to the successful 2016 animated feature Moana, starring Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho. Moana 2 features a strong voice cast and is set to release in theaters on November 27. Its theatrical release is especially notable, as Moana 2 was originally planned as a Disney+ TV show. However, the strength of the property and the show’s potential story led Disney to switch its platform.




In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Derrick Jr. and Hand gave their views on what they see the future of the character being. When asked specifically if they see Moana’s story continuing as either a Disney+ show or a third movie, the filmmakers were set in their opinion. Check out Hall and Derrick Jr.’s comments below:


David Derrick Jr.:
I think
it always begs for the big screen.


Jason Hand:
I think we did learn that Moana works really well on the big screen.


What This Means For Moana’s Future

A Successful Run Could Lead To Further Big Screen Stories


These comments should be positive for fans of the franchise hoping for future installments, especially since a successful run could lead to Moana 3 going into development. The epic scope of the Moana movies allows for the development of future storylines and plot points. The first movie was so interesting because of its ability to keep viewers grounded in its story, while also hinting at fresh, equally epic adventures always in wait somewhere over the distant horizon.

The creative direction of Moana 2, and the way the movie chooses to explore this world, could shape the future of the character and the franchise. Though there is a chance that a Moana limited series could have worked well, there is little doubt that a feature-length adventure is the most fitting choice for the character and the world she inhabits. With multiple gods and demigods pivotal to Moana‘s story, the franchise is better suited for the big screen, and it is clear the filmmakers know it. It’s also likely Disney knows it too, meaning more movies could be coming.


Our Take On Moana’s Big Screen Future

With A Live-Action Movie In The Works, The Future Is Exciting

Image via Disney

Moana 2 has set a presale record, with more first-day advance ticket sales than any other animated movie in 2024, and this should ensure a very strong box office gross. Furthermore, there is the matter of the Moana live-action movie that is currently in development, which adds another interesting dynamic to the franchise and could lead to further live-action installments. While a TV adaptation has a chance of happening in the future, considering Disney’s history with its other franchises, more movies are the most likely course of action if Moana 2 is a box office success.