The world premiere of Disney's much-anticipated "Moana 2" was held in Oahu, Hawaii, yesterday, paying tribute to Pacific Islander heritage. The event highlighted the deep cultural roots that inspired the sequel to the 2016 animated hit.
The new film is set three years after the original story, showcasing Moana's growth and evolution. Auliʻi Cravalho, who voices the titular character, shared her excitement about Moana's journey. "At first, she was wondering if she could be a wayfinder," Cravalho told Reuters. "By the time we see her again, she's a master navigator."
"Moana 2" takes the young voyager on a future-focused adventure, navigating uncharted territories and "travelling even further beyond," said Cravalho, a native Hawaiian.
Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film is set to hit theatres worldwide starting November 27. In this sequel, Moana embarks on a quest prompted by her ancestors to break a curse by the god Nalo, which has isolated island communities. To succeed, she must assemble a crew and reunite with Maui, the demigod, voiced by Dwayne Johnson.
Reflecting on his role, Johnson said, "Maui's journey in 'Moana 2' means to me a few things. Number one, legacy, and number two, the character Maui was largely inspired by my grandfather who's buried here (Hawaii), so it's pretty meaningful to me."
The film continues to embrace the values of courage, self-discovery, and community while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands. With its compelling narrative and vibrant animation, "Moana 2" promises to enchant audiences of all ages.
Disney fans and families are eagerly awaiting the release of this sequel, which builds on the beloved original’s themes and introduces exciting new challenges for its characters.
