Moana 2 Hits Disney Plus: Co-Director Discusses Sequel’s Story

Disney’s Moana 2 has been a massive hit, crossing the $1 billion mark at the global box office and now landing on Disney+. Dana Ledoux Miller, the co-writer and co-director, shared insights into Moana 2’s journey from a planned series to a full-length film, as well as details about the upcoming live-action adaptation.

Originally intended as a series for Disney+, the success of the first Moana movie on the streaming platform prompted Disney to transform Moana 2 into a feature film. Miller, who co-directed the movie with Jason Hand and David Derrick Jr., had to streamline the story to highlight Moana’s character as the central focus.

For Miller, who is Samoan, Moana carried deep personal significance. She fondly recalls weeping at the sight of her people represented on the big screen in 2016. This emotional connection fueled her dedication to ensuring Moana 2 stayed true to Polynesian culture.

Miller’s career trajectory began with an internship on ABC’s Lost in Hawaii, followed by work on projects like Netflix’s Narcos and Thai Cave Rescue. She now uses her success to amplify other underrepresented voices in the industry through the Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK) that she co-founded to support Pacific Islander talent.

Looking ahead, Miller is collaborating with Jared Bush on the live-action adaptation of Moana. Directed by Thomas Kail of Hamilton fame, the movie will feature newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui. Miller praises Lagaʻaia’s incredible talent and fearlessness when working alongside Johnson.

While the live-action film will maintain the essence of the animated version, Miller believes it will bring a new level of realism, especially in capturing the vulnerability and courage of a young girl navigating the open sea. With Moana 2 now streaming and the live-action movie on the horizon, the adventurous heroine’s journey is far from over.