While it’s still unclear if Heihei and Pua will be featured in the upcoming live-action remake ofMoana— how can they not? — fans can breathe easy for the time being. Brand-new images from the D23 floor, captured by Collider’s ownChristina Radish, reveal that the fan-favorite critters will certainly return for the upcomingMoana 2— asurprise sequel to the blockbuster 2016 film. Disney has erected massive statues of not only the rooster and the pig, but also of the titular princess, and her companion, “the shapeshifter, demigod of the wind and sea, hero of men,” Maui.
The images show Moana and Maui on a catamaran, ready for a new adventure alongside Heihei and Pua, seemingly at nighttime. Moana looks slightly older than she was when we last saw her, as she charted off to explore the vast Pacific Ocean like her ancestors. Maui, on the other hand, looks just the same. Separate photos showed his weapon of choice, a magical fishhook, positioned right next to Moana’s oar. The new movie features returning voice actorsDwayne Johnsonas Maui, andAuliʻi Cravalhoas Moana.
The movie was announced not too long ago, having first been conceptualized as a Disney+ streaming show. The announcement was accompanied by the additional news of a live-action remake of the first film, set to star Johnson and newcomerCatherine Laga’aiain the titular role. To be directed byHamilton’sThomas Kail, thelive-action remakewill be released in July 2026, having been delayed by a year because of 2023’s SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
‘Moana 2’ Will Make Landfall Eight Years After the Original Premiered
Moana 2, on the other hand, will be released in November. Directed byDavid Derrick Jr.,Jason Hand, andDana Ledoux Miller,the movie will follow Moana on an epic adventure that will take her to the “far seas of Oceania.” She will have to unite “all the people and communities of Oceania” against the “dreaded underworld gods and many other challenging creatures.” The first film was directed by the animation legendsRon ClementsandJohn Musker, best known for having helmed the originalAladdinandThe Little Mermaidmovies.
Moanagrossed nearly $690 million against a reported budget of over $150 million, and went on to score a couple of Oscar nominations — one for Best Animated Feature, and another in the Best Original Song category. The multi-hyphenateLin-Manuel Mirandaisn’t returning for the sequel; he’ll be replaced byAbigail BarlowandEmily Bearas additional songwriters, withMark MancinaandOpetaia Foa’ireturning to compose the score and write new original songs.Moana 2will be released on November 27. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Moana sets out on another daring voyage, venturing into uncharted territories to save her island from a looming ancient danger. Joined by the demigod Maui and her steadfast friends, she braves perilous seas and encounters new allies along the way. Her quest leads to revelations about her ancestors and deeper insights into her bond with the ocean.
