Moana 2 2024 Review: Disney’s Sequel Sails or Stalls?
Introduction Disney’s Moana 2 2024 sets sail with Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprising their roles as Moana and Maui, this time embarking on a perilous voyage to save their island from a mysterious oceanic curse. Directed by Dave Derrick Jr. (Raya and the Last Dragon), the film blends Polynesian mythology with new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Opetaia Foa’i. With a 92% Tomatometerand 94% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes, Moana 2 faces sky-high expectations—does it ride the wave of its predecessor, or sink under franchise pressure?
Moana 2 2024
1. Overview of Moana 2
Synopsis
Years after restoring the heart of Te Fiti, Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) is now chief of Motunui. When a darkness spreads across the Pacific—turning oceans barren and islands to stone—she reunites with Maui (Dwayne Johnson) and recruits a timid wayfinder named Tala (Lily Gladstone) to voyage beyond the horizon. Together, they confront Te Kā’s vengeful sister, Te Nō (voiced by Temuera Morrison), and uncover secrets of their ancestors’ forgotten voyages.
Derrick Jr., replacing Ron Clements and John Musker, prioritized cultural authenticity, working with Polynesian consultants. “This isn’t just a sequel—it’s a love letter to voyaging traditions,” he told Variety.
Cast Breakdown
Actor
Role
Performance Highlights
Auliʻi Cravalho
Moana
Matured yet spirited; anchors the film’s emotional core
Dwayne Johnson
Maui
Less slapstick, more depth—his ballad “Broken Hook” stuns
Lily Gladstone
Tala
A breakout role—quiet strength and vulnerability
Moana 2 2024
3. Genre and Themes
Adventure-Musical Mechanics
New Songs: “Waves of Memory” (Moana/Tala duet) and Maui’s “Tangled in My Own Rope.”
Action: Storm sequences with water animation surpassing Avatar 2.
Themes Explored
Legacy vs. Progress: Moana’s duty as chief clashes with her explorer spirit.
Cultural Healing: Confronting colonial erasure of Indigenous voyaging.
Eco-Anxiety: Oceans as both life-giver and threat.
4. Critical Reception & Box Office
Rotten Tomatoes Scores
Source
Score
Key Quote
Tomatometer
92%
“A worthy successor—Cravalho and Gladstone shine in a deeper, richer story.” — The Hollywood Reporter
Audience Score
94%
“Made me laugh, cry, and want to hug the ocean!”
Moana 2 2024
Box Office Performance
Metric
Details
Opening Weekend
$135 million (Global)
Global Total
$980 million (as of January 2025)
Moana 2 2024
5. Audience Reactions
Social Media Poll
Platform
Sentiment
Common Feedback
Twitter/X
9.5/10
“Tala is EVERYTHING! Lily Gladstone deserves an Oscar!”
Reddit
4.7/5
“Better villain than Te Kā, but songs aren’t as catchy.”
Letterboxd
4.3/5
“Visually breathtaking, but the plot plays it safe.”
Moana 2 2024
6. Behind-the-Scenes Voyage
Production Challenges
Water Animation: Took 18 months to perfect the “cursed ocean” effect.
Casting: Gladstone joined after a Māori elder recommended her for Tala.
Cultural Collaboration
Consultants: Oceanic Story Trust expanded to include Māori and Hawaiian historians.
Language: 20% of dialogue in Tokelauan and Māori with subtitles.
7. Cultural Impact
Moana 2 reignited interest in Polynesian navigation:
Education: “Wayfinding” workshops surged in schools globally.
Tourism: Hawaiian and Samoan tourism up 40% post-release.
Controversy: Debates about Disney profiting vs. preserving culture.
8. Conclusion
Aspect
Summary
Strengths
Stunning animation, Lily Gladstone’s Tala, respectful cultural storytelling.
Weaknesses
Formulaic third act, fewer earworms than the original.
Verdict
A heartfelt voyage that honors its roots—families will ride this wave happily.
Moana 2 2024
9. FAQs About Moana 2 2024
Question
Answer
Where to watch Moana 2?
In theaters; streams on Disney+ in February 2025.
Are there post-credits scenes?
Yes—teases a Maui spin-off series.
Is Lin-Manuel Miranda involved?
Yes—co-wrote three songs, including “Tala’s Journey.”
Is this the last Moana movie?
No—Disney greenlit Moana 3 for 2027.
How accurate is the cultural portrayal?
Praised by Polynesian leaders, though some critique Maui’s reduced role.
