Rumor: Moana 3 in the works

Although "Moana 2" only opened in cinemas just under a week ago, it has already earned a whopping 390 million dollars worldwide. Naturally, a sequel will follow, which is already in the works according to industry insider DanielRPK.

However, no further details are known. In any case, it will probably be quite a while before "Moana 3" is released in cinemas. After all, there were eight years between part 1 and part 2.

"Moana 2" took in an impressive 225 million dollars in the first five days after its release in the USA. The film even left the previous frontrunner, "The Super Mario Bros. movie" – which made 204 million dollars – behind. Even more remarkable was the performance on the Thanksgiving opening weekend: With total takings of 94 million dollars in the US alone, "Moana 2" surpassed the previous record holder "Frozen" from 2014. Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, summed it up aptly. Quote:

"Moana 2 has far surpassed our high expectations this weekend and is a testament to the phenomenon that Moana has become."

Since the release of the first "Moana" film in 2016, the franchise has become a cultural phenomenon. The original film, voiced by voice actors Auli'i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui, has been one of the most streamed films on Disney+ for years. In 2023 alone, it surpassed the one billion streaming hours mark and was the most streamed film on all platforms in the USA. We can therefore look forward to seeing what records the sequel will set in the coming weeks.

Speaking of which: the live-action adaptation of "Moana" also awaits us in 2026. Again with Dwayne Johnson in the role of Maui.

The "Moana" phenomenon: more than just a Disney film

Since its premiere in 2016, "Moana" has become one of the most successful and popular Disney franchises. The film, which thrilled audiences with breathtaking animation, a strong female protagonist and rousing music, has not only broken records at the box office, but also won the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. But what makes Moana a cultural phenomenon that goes far beyond the success of a single film?

A modern Disney classic

"Moana" tells the story of the young sailor Vaiana Waialiki, who lives on a Polynesian island. Driven by her desire to discover the world beyond the horizon, she embarks on a dangerous journey to find the demigod Maui and save her homeland from an environmental catastrophe. The film interweaves elements of Polynesian mythology with universal themes such as self-discovery, courage and responsibility.

The film was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, who previously worked on Disney classics such as "Ariel" and "Aladdin". With a visual splendor inspired by the beauty of the Polynesian islands and a soundtrack composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton), Opetaia Foa'i and Mark Mancina, Moana became an instant critics' and audience favorite. The film grossed over 645 million US dollars worldwide and received two Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Song (How Far I'll Go).

Moana: a new kind of Disney princess

A key reason for Moana's success lies in its protagonist. Vaiana is not a typical Disney princess – she is not a romantic heroine, but a courageous leader who finds her identity in her connection to nature, her family and her culture. She breaks with traditional gender roles and shows that heroism does not depend on princes or magic, but on inner strength and belief in oneself.

Auli'i Cravalho, the then 16-year-old Hawaiian actress who lent her voice to Moana in the original, brought authenticity and heart to the character. Her portrayal was widely praised, as was Dwayne Johnson's performance as the charismatic but headstrong Maui.

A soundtrack that connects generations

Another reason for the enduring popularity of Moana is the music. The song How Far I'll Go, sung by Auli'i Cravalho, has become an anthem for people of all ages who identify with the longing for self-realization and adventure. The song, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, drew comparisons to other iconic Disney songs such as Let It Go from "The Ice Queen".

The rest of the score, including the powerful We Know the Way and the humorous You're Welcome, reflects the film's Polynesian roots and adds a unique cultural depth to the story.

The franchise is growing: from theme parks to streaming

The success of Moana is not limited to the big screen. The film is a perennial favorite on streaming platforms such as Disney+ and is one of the most streamed films worldwide. In 2023, it even surpassed the one billion hours streamed mark. These figures underline the fact that Moana's story continues to fascinate viewers – even years after its release.

Moana has also found its way into the Disney theme parks, where attractions and shows are based on the story. At the Disney Store and other retailers, merchandise such as clothing, toys and books based on the franchise are still in demand. A planned TV series continuing Moana's adventures shows that the story is far from over.

Cultural significance and role model function

In addition to its entertainment value, Moana also has cultural significance. The film focuses on Polynesian cultures, a region and traditions that are often overlooked in the mainstream. Disney worked closely with cultural practitioners and consultants from the Pacific region to ensure that the portrayal of myths and customs was respectful and authentic. This helped to promote cultural diversity in animated films and raise awareness of indigenous stories.

Conclusion: A heroine for eternity

Moana is more than just a movie – she is a cultural phenomenon that connects generations. With its powerful message, cultural significance and unforgettable music, it has secured its place in animation history. Moana shows us that the courage to go your own way not only makes heroes, but also creates unforgettable stories.