Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returns to voice the beloved character Maui in the much-anticipated “Moana 2,” adding his signature flair to the newly released soundtrack, Beyond. The soundtrack, which arrived on Friday, November 8, is a fresh musical journey from Disney Animation Studios and showcases the work of Grammy-winning songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, the dynamic duo known as Barlow & Bear.
In addition to Johnson’s return, Auli‘i Cravalho reprises her role as Moana, bringing back her powerful voice for the adventurous heroine. Moana 2, set to premiere in theaters worldwide on November 27, promises an exciting continuation of the journey first introduced in the 2016 Oscar-nominated original film, which captivated audiences with its stunning visuals, memorable characters, and unforgettable soundtrack.
The first Moana movie was both a critical and commercial success, earning Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for the hit “How Far I’ll Go.” This initial story followed Moana, daughter of Chief Tui, on an epic quest to restore the heart of the goddess Te Fitti, accompanied by the demigod Maui. The new sequel is set to take fans on an even grander adventure, reuniting Moana and Maui alongside a crew of bold new characters on a voyage across the wide expanse of Oceania.
The plot of Moana 2 introduces an unexpected call from Moana’s ancestors, urging her to embark on a challenging journey into the far reaches of the Pacific. Moana must navigate treacherous, unexplored waters filled with ancient secrets and unforeseen challenges, making it her most formidable adventure yet. According to Disney’s announcement, this sequel will be both a visual and musical feast, complete with authentic Polynesian elements, thanks to choreography by Tiana Liufau, whose team of dancers and drummers enhances the experience with rich Polynesian culture.
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Returning alongside Cravalho and Johnson are other fan-favorite cast members, including Temuera Morrison as Tui, Nicole Scherzinger as Sina, Rose Matafeo as Loto, David Fane as Kele, Hualālai Chung as Moni, and Alan Tudyk reprising his comedic role as the beloved rooster, Heihei. This talented cast breathes new life into the Moana universe, contributing to the diverse voices that make the movie’s ensemble unforgettable.
The Beyond soundtrack features Johnson performing two new songs: “Can I Get A Chee Hoo?” and “Mana Vavau,” the latter being a lively collaboration with Opetaia Foa‘i and Rachel House. These songs carry the unmistakable energy and charm that Johnson is known for, adding an exciting layer to the musical landscape of the sequel. Cravalho also takes center stage on several songs, including “We’re Back,” a celebratory number featuring ensemble voices from the cast. Her performances extend to “Beyond (Reprise)” and “What Could Be Better Than This?”—a vibrant group number with Hualālai Chung, Rose Matafeo, and David Fane, among others.
Disney fans will recall that the original Moana soundtrack enjoyed phenomenal success, amassing over 20 billion streams globally since its release. Among the hits was “You’re Welcome,” performed by Johnson, which not only became a fan favorite but also went six-times platinum and remains DisneyMusic VEVO’s most-watched video, with over 1.6 billion views.
Moana 2 looks to captivate a new generation with its mix of storytelling, music, and cultural depth. As the release date approaches, fans are excited to see what new adventures await Moana and her crew as they set sail once again to uncover the mysteries of Oceania.
