Summary:
- Dwayne Johnson, who voiced Maui in the Moana prequel, announced that his voice work for the demigod in the sequel has been wrapped up.
- The actor also teased several pictures of him voicing the character, taken by his daughter.
- Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho are both confirmed to reprise their roles as the dynamic duo Maui and Moana in the sequel.
Dwayne Johnson, the beloved voice behind the charismatic demigod Maui in Moana, has just announced a significant update for the eagerly awaited sequel, Moana 2. On his Instagram, Johnson shared that he has wrapped up his voice recording sessions for the upcoming film.
The post included action-packed photos of him in the recording studio and tender moments captured by his young daughter. Alongside the wholesome pictures, The Rock also announces: “an official wrap (for now) on MAUI’s portion of our upcoming MOANA 2.
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In the post’s caption, the WWE wrestler also wrote:
“As you see I had the greatest motivation to help me push thru to keep me strong. The more down this windy road of life I go, the more I realize that my greatest and most comforting inspiration and joy, is being loved by my daughters. I have a feeling this little one already knows that about her daddy. Thanks everyone for your amazing support.”
The production of Moana 2 has been gaining momentum since Disney surprised fans with an announcement and a teaser trailer back in February, targeting a theatrical release on November 27, 2024. Johnson is not the only returning cast member; Auli’i Cravalho is set to reprise her role as the fearless and curious Moana.
The sequel promises an even grander adventure than the first film. It will follow a slightly older Moana as she teams up with a new group of voyagers, and together they’ll meet the shapeshifting Maui again. Responding to a mysterious call from her ancestors, Moana is drawn into the uncharted waters of Oceania for what promises to be her most thrilling journey yet. The official synopsis suggests that the film will welcome some new cast to the roster.
Moana, released in 2016, was a critical and box office success for Disney, grossing $687.2 million worldwide and garnering two Academy Award nominations. It set a high bar for the sequel, which fans are hoping will capture the same magic and heart as the original.
In addition to the animated sequel, a live-action adaptation of Moana is also in the works, with a release slated for 2026 after some slight delays. While Johnson will return as Maui, Cravalho will pass the torch to a new actress for the live-action portrayal.
Besides his stint in Moana 2, Dwayne Johnson is also working on his boxing drama, The Smashing Machine, and the upcoming Fast & Furious sequel, where he will return as everyone’s favorite lieutenant, Luke Hobb.
