Early Reactions Praise 'Moana 2' as a Visually Stunning and Heartfelt Sequel

Critics highlight the animation, emotional depth, and new characters while noting the music doesn't fully match the original's impact.

'Moana 2,' releasing November 27, 2024, is being celebrated by critics as a worthy follow-up to the 2016 Disney hit, with praise for its visuals and emotional storytelling.
Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprise their roles as Moana and Maui, joined by new characters like Moana's younger sister, Simea, who has been a standout addition.
The film explores Moana's growth and her journey to connect Pacific communities, introducing a diverse crew that embodies ancient Polynesian knowledge.
Critics note that while the music is enjoyable, it doesn't quite reach the heights of the original's iconic soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The sequel is projected to break Thanksgiving box office records, with early tracking suggesting it may surpass the original's $82 million opening weekend.