Moana 2 Breaks Disney Records Even Before It’s Released
People are clearly extremely pumped to watch Moana 2. Its trailer alone got 178 million views in the first 24 hours of its release online–the most watched ever trailer for an animated Disney feature. Though this news can’t come as too much of a surprise as The Rock is one of the most social media savvy celebrities out there, and he will of course be reprising his role as the shape shifting demigod Maui.
Moana
When Moana hit theaters in 2016, it blew people away. Here was a Disney “princess” with no love interest, no wicked stepmother, and both parents fully intact! Moana, instead, goes on a journey to save her family and her home.
The film is also one of the only Disney princess stories centered entirely on people of color. It is no wonder Moana 2 is already garnering such buzz.
A Tough Act To Follow
The first film had so much to love about it. Of course, we had a strong-willed, rebellious teenage girl, voiced brilliantly by Auli’i Cravalho, insisting on making her own way in the world to provide solutions for her family’s dying island.
Then there was the hilarious ego-maniacal demigod Maui voiced by Dwayne Johnson. We also have the delightfully wacky Grandma Tala, voiced by Rachel House, and the clearly insane Tamatoa, voiced by Jemaine Clement.
And don’t forget the oh-so-memorable soundtrack written by Lin Manuel Miranda.
The Trailer Performance
The trailer has been viewed on TikTok, X, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube, and has vastly surpassed other Disney trailers. Inside Out 2 is the only one to come close, at 157 million.
The trailer for Frozen 2, the highest grossing Disney animated film of all time, only got 116 million views, and Pixar’s Incredibles 2 trailer fell behind at 113 million views. Moana 2, with its 178 million views, is reflective of how thrilled fans are to see what happens with one of the favorite Disney princesses of all time.
More Sidekicks This Time
Sadly, Miranda won’t be back to write music for Moana 2, but we will see the return of Mark Mancina, who helped write music for the first film and has won three Grammys for his work.
We will also hear tunes from Grammy winners Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, and Opetaia Foa’i. Also, we’ll get to see the beloved mascots Hei Hei and Pua returning, and this time, it looks like Pua gets on the boat!
The Release
In the trailer for Moana 2, we see Moana responding to a call from her ancestors to take a dangerous voyage across the ocean, and as she embarks on her journey, she is accompanied by both the rooster and the little pig.
Maui arrives in a grand entrance, proclaiming the two animals “boat snack” and “boat snack upgrade.” It looks like we’re in for another thrilling adventure on the high seas with these two.
Moana 2 is slated for release in theaters on November 27, just in time for the Thanksgiving movie-goers to bring their whole family.
Disney could certainly use a win these days. Here’s hoping Moana 2 is just the blockbuster the trailer promises it will be.
