Moana to get surprise cinema sequel this year

Disney has announced a surprise sequel to Moana, setting up a box office battle with the first Wicked film. The sequel is set to release this year.

Disney’s unexpected announcement sets up a box office battle with the first Wicked film Moana.

Disney’s surprise announcement brings Moana back to cinemas this year, marking the adventurous Polynesian girl’s return in a sequel to the 2016 hit. Originally considered for a Disney+ series, the sequel will now hit the big screen following a series of lackluster performances. Scheduled for release on November 27, Moana’s sequel sets the stage for a box office showdown with the inaugural Wicked film. Disney has unveiled a brief teaser trailer, featuring Moana on a beach, blowing into a shell.

The upcoming animated musical promises to embark audiences on a captivating new journey alongside Moana, Maui, and a fresh ensemble of unexpected sailors.

Summoned by her ancestral wayfinders through an unforeseen call, Moana is compelled to venture into the distant seas of Oceania, navigating perilous and long-forgotten waters for an unparalleled adventure.

Unlike the original, Lin-Manuel Miranda, nominated for an Oscar, will not be involved in crafting the music. Instead, the task falls to a quartet of composers, including the renowned Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, celebrated for their creation of an unofficial Bridgerton musical on TikTok in 2022.

Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, revealed that in 2023, the original Moana was the most streamed movie across all platforms in the United States. Discussing the sequel, he stated, “Initially conceived as a series, we were so impressed with the content that we felt it warranted a cinematic release.”

A live-action adaptation of the original film, featuring Dwayne Johnson as the charismatic demi-God Maui, whom he voiced in the animated version, is currently in the works.

Bob Iger expressed excitement about expanding the beloved Moana franchise, stating, “Moana remains incredibly popular, and we’re thrilled to bring audiences more of Moana and Maui.”

The announcement of Moana 2 comes as a surprise, considering that movie studios typically plan their schedules years in advance. Disney’s decision to develop the sequel indicates their continued commitment to theatrical releases over prioritizing streaming services.

The recent underperformance of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ original films, Wish and Strange World, underscores the studio’s pursuit of box office success with established franchises like Moana.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Iger mentioned that the company is shifting towards prioritizing sequels and franchises. In 2023, Disney faced box office disappointments with films like “The Marvels” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”. Additionally, Disney announced on Wednesday that Taylor Swift’s Eras tour concert film will be available on Disney+, and revealed plans to acquire a $1.5 billion (£1.2 billion) stake in Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite.

Disclaimer:
This content is AI-generated using IFTTT AI Content Creator. While we strive for accuracy, it’s a tool for rapid updates. We’re committed to filtering information, not reproducing or endorsing misinformation. – Jomotoday for more information visit privacy policy