The adventures of Moana are far from over. Actor and executive producer Dwayne Johnson has confirmed that Disney is already developing a third animated installment of the hugely successful Moana franchise.
Johnson, who has voiced the beloved demigod Maui since the original film premiered in 2016, revealed the exciting news during a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, while promoting the upcoming live-action adaptation of the Disney classic.
Speaking about the future of the franchise, Johnson confirmed that discussions surrounding Moana 3 have already progressed beyond speculation.
“Yes, we have talked about Moana 3, yes,” Johnson said. “But first, live-action Moana, we’ll let that come out first. We have the amazing Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, who have been our writers… they will pen Moana 3.”
His remarks have thrilled Disney fans around the world, particularly after the overwhelming commercial success of Moana 2, which reaffirmed the franchise as one of the studio’s strongest animated properties.
The announcement suggests that Disney has every intention of expanding the world of Moana even further, building on nearly a decade of storytelling that has captivated audiences of all ages.
The creative team behind the films remains largely intact. Jared Bush has served as a writer on every Moana project to date, helping establish the adventurous spirit and emotional storytelling that made the franchise a worldwide phenomenon.
Dana Ledoux Miller joined the creative team for Moana 2 and also contributed to the screenplay for the live-action adaptation.
Bush is widely regarded as one of Disney Animation’s most accomplished writers. Beyond the Moana franchise, he also wrote the Oscar-winning Encanto and both installments of Zootopia, further cementing his reputation for crafting heartfelt stories that resonate with global audiences.
The original Moana debuted in 2016 and introduced audiences to the fearless Polynesian voyager determined to save her island by restoring the heart of Te Fiti. Featuring memorable songs, breathtaking animation and themes of courage, identity and family, the film became both a critical and commercial success.
The movie grossed approximately $680 million worldwide, earning praise for its celebration of Polynesian culture and its powerful female protagonist.
It later found even greater popularity through streaming platforms, where it remained one of Disney’s most-watched animated titles for years.
Its sequel, Moana 2, exceeded even the lofty expectations set by its predecessor. Released during the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday, the film delivered a record-breaking $225 million opening weekend over the holiday frame, becoming one of Disney’s biggest animated openings in history.
The sequel ultimately crossed $1.059 billion at the global box office, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films ever released.
Its broad appeal among children, families, teenagers and adults established it as a true four-quadrant blockbuster and reinforced Disney’s confidence in continuing the franchise.
Before audiences return to the animated world, however, Disney is preparing to unveil a live-action version of the beloved story.
The adaptation is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on July 10, bringing a fresh interpretation of the island adventure while retaining many of the original’s iconic characters.
Johnson reprises his role as Maui, this time portraying the larger-than-life demigod in live action.
Rising actress Catherine Laga’aia steps into the lead role of Moana, introducing a new generation to the courageous wayfinder whose journey inspired millions.
The live-action adaptation represents another major investment by Disney in one of its most valuable modern franchises. With a third animated film now officially in development, the future of Moana appears brighter than ever.
While Disney has yet to announce a release date or reveal story details for Moana 3, Johnson’s confirmation has already generated widespread excitement among fans eager to continue sailing alongside Moana and Maui.
If the franchise’s previous successes are any indication, the next chapter promises another epic voyage filled with adventure, music and the enduring message of believing in one’s destiny.
