Dwayne Johnson shared an exciting update on Moana 3 ahead of the live-action release. Just days before Disney’s live-action adaptation arrives in theaters, he has addressed the long-awaited possibility of a third installment.
What is the Moana 3 news?
After making a surprise appearance at a Moana musical performance in London, Johnson was asked about the third installment of the animated Moana films, to which he replied, “Yes, we have talked about ‘Moana 3,’ yes.”
Speaking at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Johnson said, “But first, live-action Moana, we’ll let that come out first. We have the amazing Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, who have been our writers … they will pen Moana 3.” (via Variety) The update comes after Moana 2 left several story threads unresolved.
Both animated films in Disney’s Moana franchise were major box office successes during their theatrical releases. The first movie grossed $687 million worldwide. The second film was originally developed as a Disney+ streaming series before being reworked into a theatrical feature. It earned $1.059 billion worldwide after its theatrical run.
For the third animated movie, Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho are expected to reprise their roles as the voices of Maui and Moana. While Bush and Miller are going to write the screenplay, the other cast details and the plot are still under wraps.
The live-action movie is adapted from the original film and directed by Thomas Kail. It tells the same story of Moana, played by Catherine Laga’aia, as she is chosen by the ocean to restore prosperity within her island, goes on an oceanic adventure, meets a demigod Maui, and breaks a curse. The film marks Laga’aia’s feature film debut and the narrative feature directorial debut for Kail.
The live-action adaptation also features a new title song, Along the Way, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, alongside several songs from the original film. The live-action cast members also include John Tui, Frankie Adams, Rena Owen, and Jemaine Clement.
The Moana live-action movie is set to hit theaters on July 10, 2026.
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