Moana 2 is coming later this year, but Disney isn’t quite finished with the franchise.
The live-action remake is also on the way and is currently in pre-production. A new casting call went out today and the studio is looking for men, women, and children to play the people of the fictional island of Mortonui. Additionally, the studio is looking to begin filming in June in Hawaii and Atlanta. Filming is expected to be completed towards the end of September.
Earlier this month, another casting call went out looking for a pacific islander actress in their 60s to play Moana’s fun loving grandma, Tala. The studio is seeking someone who can sing and dance as well bring some comedic chops to the role. Very similar to the character from the 2016 animated original.
Dwayne Johnson is set to act as producer for the film, via his production company, Seven Bucks Productions. His co-star in the 2016 animated film, Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced the titular character, will executive produce with Scott Sheldon of Flynn Picture Co.. Cravalho will not be reprising the role Moana, but an actor has been cast according to Johnson.
Thomas Kail is on board to direct from a script by Jared Bush, who wrote the original. Lin-Manuel Miranda may not be returning for Moana 2, which is in the works at Disney Animation Studios, but is on board for the remake.
With Moana 2 coming in November, expect Disney to shift the live-action remake off its June 2025 date.
