Dwayne Johnson confirms a third animated Moana movie is officially in the works. Before fans start scanning the horizon, though, he has one request. Keep your eyes on Disney’s live-action Moana first.
As first reported by Variety, Johnson addressed the future of the animated series while promoting the live-action movie in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He voices the larger-than-life demigod Maui in the animated films and plays him again in live action. According to the actor, conversations about Moana 3 have already happened.
Still, Johnson made one thing clear. Disney’s next priority is bringing the original story back to the big screen in a whole new way.
Dwayne Johnson Confirms Moana 3 Is Moving Forward
Dwayne Johnson reveals that writers Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller are expected to pen Moana 3, continuing their work in the world of Motunui.
For a franchise that has become one of Disney’s most reliable modern success stories, that’s big news. The first Moana sailed into theaters in 2016 and introduced Auliʻi Cravalho‘s determined young wayfinder, chosen by the ocean to restore balance to her island. Along the way, she crossed paths with Maui, the hilarious and complicated shapeshifting demigod voiced by Dwayne Johnson.
The movie checked every box Disney audiences hold onto. Memorable hero. Gorgeous visuals. An emotional family story, big adventure and songs that refused to leave people’s heads. Little wonder Dwayne Johnson shares such pride in this franchise.
Then there was Maui.
Dwayne Johnson brought plenty of swagger and humor to the role. He gave Maui real heart, too. Under the jokes, the tattoos and the giant fishhook, Maui was a guy trying to prove he still mattered. That mix made him one of Disney’s most memorable modern sidekicks. Although, honestly, calling Maui a sidekick has always felt a little unfair.
Disney’s Moana Franchise Outgrew One Movie
The original Moana did solid business in theaters. Its bigger life came later, on Disney+. It turned into one of those family movies people replay endlessly, whether for the music, the ocean visuals or one more round of “You’re Welcome.”
Disney noticed that staying power. Eventually, the studio expanded the story with Moana 2.
Funny wrinkle there: the sequel started life as a Disney+ project before Disney reshaped it into a theatrical release. Smart call. Moana 2 became a full-blown blockbuster and proved audiences were more than ready to reunite with Moana and Maui on the big screen.
Now Dwayne Johnson confirms a third animated film is coming, and a live-action remake is days away. Moana sits among Disney’s biggest active franchises.
Not a bad place for Johnson to be.
Dwayne Johnson Has Become Disney Royalty
Johnson built a career that jumps from action movies to family films to wrestling nostalgia without missing a beat. Maui, though, carved out his special place in Disney history.
The role let Johnson pour his natural charisma into an animated character while connecting with younger fans in a whole new way. Maui may be a demigod, yet Johnson made him funny, vulnerable and larger than life. Exactly how Disney heroes are supposed to feel.
There’s a personal layer, too. Dwayne Johnson shares a deep connection to the story’s Polynesian inspiration, which has made his involvement in the franchise especially meaningful.
And the live-action movie hands him a rare opportunity. He gets to physically step into a character he made famous through animation. That alone makes this one of Disney’s most interesting live-action remakes in years.
First Comes The Live-Action Moana
Before Moana 3 reaches theaters, audiences return to the beginning.
The live-action Moana stars newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana, with Johnson taking on Maui in front of the camera. The story revisits the original journey of a young woman who answers the ocean’s call and sets out to save her home.
Plenty about Moana 3 remains under wraps. No story details yet. No release date. No word on who handles the music. Even so, Dwayne Johnson teases a franchise with a strong current behind it, and he seems more than ready to keep riding the wave.
Moana, starring Dwayne Johnson, opens in theaters July 10.
