Moana 2, officially titled Moana: The Wayfinder’s Return in some markets, marks the highly anticipated return of Disney’s Polynesian princess to the big screen. Following its predecessor’s success in 2016, the sequel, released on November 27, 2024, brings Moana and Maui back for another epic adventure filled with music, heartfelt moments, and daring escapades.
Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, it brings back familiar characters while introducing new faces to enhance the story's depth and emotion.
A particular detail many fans are curious about is its runtime. As families plan their trips to theaters, understanding how long the movie lasts is essential for making arrangements especially for younger viewers eager to embark on this cinematic voyage. The runtime for Moana 2 is 100 minutes, offering a well-paced, family-friendly adventure.
Exploring in detail how long is Moana 2
The runtime of Moana 2 clocks in at 100 minutes. This duration is fairly standard for animated family films, aligning closely with its predecessor, Moana, which ran for 107 minutes.
The succinct runtime ensures a well-paced narrative that keeps younger audiences engaged while delivering an emotionally rich experience for viewers of all ages.
What happens in Moana 2?
Set three years after the events of the first film, Moana 2 picks up with its titular character continuing her role as a wayfinder and protector of her people. The story begins with Moana receiving a vision from her ancestor, Tautai Vasa, warning of an impending disaster.
A mystical island called Motufetu, which once connected all islands, has sunk to the ocean’s depths, severing the bond between mortals and the sea. This disruption is the doing of Nalo, an ancient storm god hungry for power.
Moana embarks on a daring journey to revive the island, joined by a colorful crew: Loto, a skilled craftswoman; Moni, a Maui enthusiast; and Kele, a grumpy elder. Her loyal animal companions, Pua the pig and Heihei the rooster, also return to add humor and heart.
Meanwhile, Maui faces his own trials, captured by Nalo’s enforcer, Matangi, as he wrestles with his guilt over past conflicts with the storm god.
Through encounters with the Kakamora, giant sea creatures, and the treacherous lair of Matangi, Moana and her crew inch closer to their goal. The climax sees Moana and Maui confronting Nalo in his deadly storm realm.
With the odds stacked against them, Moana sacrifices herself to restore Motufetu but is revived by her ancestors. In a triumphant finale, she gains a new wayfinder’s tattoo, symbolizing her growth and achievements.
More details on Moana 2
The sequel builds on the beloved elements of the original, retaining much of its charm while introducing fresh twists. Auli’i Cravalho reprises her role as Moana, lending her powerful voice to both dialogue and song. Dwayne Johnson also returns as Maui, bringing humor and depth to the demigod.
New characters like Matangi (voiced by Awhimai Fraser), add layers to the narrative, creating a story that feels both familiar and adventurous.
Music remains central to Moana 2, with Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa’i returning to compose the score. Notably, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, known for their work on The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical, join the creative team as songwriters.
The soundtrack features standout tracks like Beyond, a spiritual successor to How Far I’ll Go, and Can I Get a Chee Hoo? a celebratory anthem performed by Johnson.
The film’s animation also raises the bar, with stunning visuals crafted at Disney’s Vancouver studio. Maui’s tattoos, a fan-favorite element, are animated by a team led by Eric Goldberg, ensuring that every detail aligns with the Polynesian culture the movie celebrates.
Since its premiere at the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute in Hawaii, Moana 2 has received a mix of reviews. Critics have praised its lush visuals and strong performances but note its story occasionally feels formulaic compared to the original.
Moana 2 directed by David Derrick Jr, Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller released on November 27, 2024.