‘Moana 2’ Becomes The Most-Viewed Trailer In The History Of Pixar and Disney Animation

Fans, rejoice! The beloved Polynesian princess, Moana, is set to return to the big screen in the highly-anticipated animation Moana 2.

And demigod Maui is with her.

Starring Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson as Moana and Maui, respectively, the first look at the sequel to the 2016 musical adventure has set a record for the biggest animated trailer launch in Disney Animation and Pixar history, receiving more than 178 million views in 24 hours on all platforms.

This number surpasses Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 (157 million views in 2023), Disney’s Frozen 2 (116 million views in 2019), and Disney and Pixar’s Incredibles 2 (113 million views in 2017).

And it's not even a full trailer.

Opening in theaters on November 27, 2024, Moana 2 reunites Moana and Maui, three years after the events of the first film.

" [...] Moana is on an expansive journey in search of people beyond the shores of Motunui," reads a synopsis from Disney's website for the film.

"Joined by Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced," the synopsis adds.

Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, Moana 2 features music by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa’i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina.

The project was originally developed as a television series before being reworked as a theatrical sequel.

Featuring new songs from Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Moana 2 counts Osnat Shurer as a producer, while Jennifer Lee executive produces.

Johnson took the stage at CinemaCon in Las Vegas to help debut footage from Moana 2.

"Playing the character of Maui is one of the most life-changing life experiences for me — and life-changing roles," Johnson said at the time.

The star who is also known for his stage name 'The Rock,' also explained why the role was a particularly special one for him.

"It’s my culture — you guys can see I wear it on my chest, my body, my tattoo, and also the character of Maui was inspired from my grandfather, the high chief, Peter Maivia," he added.

"It’s so much deeper than a movie to me, and I know it’s deeper for Disney, too."

As a testament to the enduring love for Moana‘s characters, music, and story, the 2016 film was the most streamed movie across all platforms in 2023, according to Nielsen.

The original Moana hit the theaters way back in 2016, and received more than $687 million worldwide, along with two Oscar nominations.

"Moana remains an incredibly popular franchise," said Bob Iger, CEO at The Walt Disney Company, when the sequel was announced in February.

"And we can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when Moana 2 comes to theaters this November."