From our Friends at D23
As its new song says, “We’re Back”: Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2 reunites Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) for an incredible new voyage! After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters. Alongside a motley crew of unlikely seafarers—including storyteller/Maui superfan Moni (voiced by Hualālai Chung), cantankerous yet lovable farmer Kele (voiced by David Fane), and exuberant engineer Loto (voiced by Rose Matafeo)—she heads toward an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.
With Moana 2 making its final alignments with the proverbial currents before heading into theaters on November 27, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club was lucky enough to speak exclusively with the film’s directors David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller (who also co-wrote the script with executive producer and Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush). Read on for a captivating look into what makes this return to Motunui—and beyond—so special…
D23: Thanks for chatting with us today! The first film was so beautifully and creatively inspired by the different cultures and peoples of the Pacific, and that obviously continues with Moana 2. How did you balance both the storytelling it takes to make an animated film and this level of cultural authenticity?
David Derrick Jr. (DD): Before we even brought in all of the artists, we brought in our Oceanic Cultural Trust consultants. For me, the Trust has informed so many of our choices culturally and creatively…
I came to Disney to work on the first Moana. Part of my heritage comes from Samoa, and I was very proud to tell a story from a Pacific point of view—and to have the opportunity to continue to do that with Moana 2, I think, is an absolute gift. It’s been wonderful.
D23: Can you talk a little bit about the mix of CG and hand-drawn animation in this film? Because it made a huge impact in the first one. How is it essential to Moana 2?
Jason Hand (JH): Our animators are incredible. They’re the best in the business. I think the performances from the CG characters that our animators have done in this film are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. [Disney CEO] Bob Iger actually commented on how incredible the animation is, which meant a lot to us. And then you add in Eric Goldberg, a Disney animation icon, to lead the team of hand-drawn artists that are creating Mini Maui, bringing those tattoos to life—it’s such a special part of this film.
It’s something I really connect to because it’s this incredible magic trick. There are two different performances happening from an animation standpoint; when it’s timed right and it plays—when Maui’s literally arguing with himself—it’s hilarious. It’s my favorite thing! It’s also super emotional. We go and take this [film] to places that our audiences have never seen before, as it progresses. I’m so excited for everybody to see that.
