
In a recent filmmaker presentation, producer Christina Chen and directors Dana Ledoux Miller and David Derrick Jr. spoke about their experiences creating the film “Moana 2,” set to release in theaters on Nov. 27.
A highly-anticipated sequel, released eight years after the original movie “Moana,” became a huge hit, “Moana 2” builds on the world and story of Moana, the willful and adventurous daughter of a Polynesian village chief. Inspired by Polynesian mythology, the first “Moana” follows her journey from being chosen by the ocean to restore a relic of the ancient goddess Tefiti to doing so with the help of a renowned demigod, Maui. The movie was an instant favorite for its heartwarming story, lush animation and lively music.
Now, in the sequel, Moana answers a new call to action from her ancestors, assembling a crew to embark on another brave journey across the ocean. As she faces fresh responsibilities, audiences meet new characters like her little sister, Simea, while familiar figures like Maui return with unexpected emotional depth.
Miller, who also co-wrote the film, discussed her connection to Moana as a storyteller of Samoan heritage. Early in her career, she struggled to find opportunities to pitch stories representing her Pacific Islander background. She began as a set production assistant and worked in television for years before transitioning into animation. When the first “Moana” movie was released, watching it was deeply moving for her; she even recalled crying in the theater, feeling genuinely represented on screen for the first time.
Derrick Jr., who also worked as a storyboard artist, grew up in Farmington, Utah, where he was captivated by the animated worlds of “The Lion King” and “Tarzan”. Inspired by these films, he moved to California to study at the California Institute of the Arts, launching a career that has spanned over 20 years in the animation industry. With Samoan heritage, Derrick brings his own connection to the “Moana” films, and he is passionate about honoring Polynesian culture and the concept of a shared “cultural ethnosphere” — a network of traditions, knowledge and stories passed across generations. For Derrick, “Moana 2” embodies the spirit of exploration and community that has long defined Pacific Islander culture. He finds joy in the collaborative nature of filmmaking, believing it allows artists to create something far more impactful and resonant than anyone could achieve alone.
The creation of “Moana 2” brought together a crew of over 700 people. From storytellers and animators to musical and technical experts, each contributor brought unique talent and perspectives to their roles. Chen, Miller and Derrick Jr. emphasized that anyone — not just artists — can play an essential role in bringing a film to life. They reflected on the collaborative spirit of Disney, where traditional 2D animators work alongside 3D animators, merging modern techniques with the legacy of paper-and-pencil animation, a nearly lost art that is being kept alive in projects like Moana.
All three creative leads of the movie spoke positively about their time working with the film’s gifted cast. Auli’i Cravalho reprised her role as Moana; she began her first work at 14 years old and is now 23. Of mixed Asian American and Pacific Islander descent, Cravalho captured the essence of the character in a way that resonated with audiences and crew alike. In addition to her rich cultural link to Moana, her genuine enthusiasm and spirit brought a heartfelt energy to the new movie. Dwayne Johnson also returned to voice Maui, bringing his incredible talent and Samoan heritage to the role. The team praised Johnson’s dedication to portraying Maui with even more emotional complexity. This depth is challenging to capture, but Johnson took on the challenge, combining Maui’s bravado with moments of vulnerability and cementing him as a multifaceted character. Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, a Japanese voice actress and a fresh addition to the “Moana” franchise, voices Moana’s younger sister, Simea. Miller said she thoroughly enjoyed working with Lambert-Tsuda in the recording booth, drawing out the perfect youthful energy to bring the adorable new character to life.
The filmmakers also touched on the musical aspect of Moana 2, which promises to be as lively and captivating as the original. Songwriters Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow, known for their Grammy-winning “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical,” bring a goofy, dorky charm to some of the film’s funniest new songs. Returning composers Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina lend continuity and depth to the soundtrack. Foa’i, who is Samoan-born and praised for his work on Moana’s Samoan and Tokelauan language songs like “Logo te Pate” and “We Know the Way,” adds authentic richness to the film, and Mancina’s composing is transformative.
The first Moana film drew on the expertise and insights of the Oceanic Story Trust, a group of Pacific Islander cultural experts who were brought on to ensure that the film’s storytelling honored the heritage of the Pacific Islands with authenticity and respect. For “Moana 2,” Disney brought back both past contributors and new voices to accomplish the same goal. The many consultants include Dr. Dionne Fontini, an anthropologist from Samoa, and Nainoa Thompson, a master navigator from the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Their and many others’ contributions ensured that Moana acted as a meaningful representation.
With “Moana 2,” the filmmakers hope to immerse viewers in the traditions of Pacific Islander communities. The film is an opportunity to show audiences what it means to come from a family rooted in close ties and shared responsibility. Disney’s intentional inclusion of AAPI identities at every production level is crucial to this storytelling, from the cultural consultants and actors to the directors and composers. It ensures that the narratives surrounding Pacific Islander cultures are told by those who have lived them. “Moana 2” is not just a celebration of heritage; it is powerful evidence of the success in providing deeply rooted cultural communities with platforms to share their stories globally.