Moana 2 trailer gets a standing ovation at Disney’s D23

Moana and Maui’s most exciting adventure yet took the stage to a standing ovation at Disney’s D23.

Walt Disney Animation Studios released the trailer for “Moana 2” during the D23 2024 event on Friday, August 9.

The trailer of the much anticipated animated film “Moana 2” trailer was part of the legendary animation studio’s lineup.

Dwayne Johnson, the voice behind Maui, the tattooed demigod with a larger-than-life personality in Disney Animation’s “Moana” films took the stage to introduce “Moana and Maui’s most thrilling adventure yet” and unveil the new “Moana 2” trailer as part of the iconic animation studio’s lineup.

The “Moana 2” presentation kicked off with Cravalho singing “We’re Back,” a new original song for “Moana 2,” joined on stage by dancers and drummers from Nonosina Polynesia under the direction of Tiana Liufau, who contributed animation reference choreography to “Moana” and the new film. 

Set three years after the events of the 2016 Oscar-nominated original, “Moana 2” follows Moana and her crew as they search for the lost island of Motufetu, once a key connection to the ocean but now hidden by a jealous God of Storms.

The trailer sees Moana stepping into her big sister role, guiding her 3-year-old sister Simea.

Go on an epic, all-new adventure with Disney’s #Moana2, coming to theaters November 27! pic.twitter.com/IPbME8za8w

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 10, 2024

It’s a call from the ancestors 🌊
Watch the new trailer for Disney’s #Moana2, only in theaters November 27! pic.twitter.com/NLyDEWjRho

— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) August 10, 2024

Johnson highlighted the importance of “believing there’s more out there and having the courage to pursue it… As someone deeply connected to Polynesian culture, being half Black and half Samoan, I understand what this means for me, and I know it holds significant meaning for Auli’i (Cravalho, the voice of Moana) as well.”

“Moana 2” will hit the theatres on November 27.

After the trailer debut, reactions continue to pour in on social media timelines:

People were worried that the visuals might not be on par with the original but the visuals of 'MOANA 2' look gorgeous and deserves to be seen on the big screen. I have faith that this will be the long awaited success Disney Animation has been waiting for. #D23Expo#Moana2 pic.twitter.com/grkGIvmT5L

— Anchit Baishya (@BaishyaAnchit) August 10, 2024

I already know one thing I'm going to enjoy when watching this movie, just watching Moana and her little sister being adorable together cause it's already working on me. #Moana2 pic.twitter.com/CcFPVl1rZr

— Niya (Local Panther Tree 🌳) (@Niya_rah_ah_ah) August 10, 2024

The Moana 2 official trailer just revealed her cute little sister, the return of Grandma Tala (who I LOVE🥹) and a new Disney villain who has been described as the storm of all storms! 😈🌊 #Moana2 pic.twitter.com/IcAeJhTPrx

— MilkyyMelodies 🎙️♪ (@MilkyyMelodies) August 10, 2024