Moana 2: Live-Action (2026) – Waves of Wonder in a Sequel That Surfs Higher

Rating: 8.5/10

Fresh off the tidal wave of the animated Moana 2‘s box-office splash, Disney dives deeper into Polynesian mythology with this bold live-action sequel, transforming the ocean’s call into a sun-soaked spectacle that’s as visually mesmerizing as it is soul-stirring. Directed by the rhythmic Thomas Kail (Hamilton), who infuses the film with Broadway-level energy and cultural authenticity, Moana 2: Live-Action clocks in at 128 minutes and picks up where the 2024 animated hit left off. Starring rising star Catherine Laga’aia reprising her vocal role as the intrepid wayfinder (now in flesh-and-blood glory) alongside Dwayne Johnson’s larger-than-life Maui, this isn’t just a remake—it’s a sequel that expands the lore while honoring its roots. But does it ride the perfect swell, or does it occasionally get caught in the undertow?

The story sails into uncharted waters three years after Moana’s first epic voyage. Now a seasoned chief of Motunui, Moana (Laga’aia, bringing a fierce yet vulnerable depth that eclipses even the animated original) faces a darkening horizon: a mysterious curse is choking the life from the islands, stranding her people in endless fog and famine. Teaming up once more with the demigod Maui (Johnson, whose charisma is as boundless as the Pacific), she assembles a ragtag crew—including a sly navigator played by the magnetic Frankie Adams (The Expanse) and a wise-cracking spirit guide voiced by the legendary Rena Owen—to chase ancient legends across the seas. Their quest uncovers forgotten realms, rival deities, and Moana’s own buried doubts about leadership. Kail weaves in fresh mythology inspired by Pacific Islander consultants, blending high-seas adventure with introspective ballads that echo Lin-Manuel Miranda’s originals but soar with new compositions by the same maestro. Think Pirates of the Caribbean with heart, humor, and a heaping dose of empowerment—no damsels here, just warriors who paddle their own canoes.

Laga’aia is a revelation as Moana, evolving the character from wide-eyed explorer to battle-tested icon with a performance that’s equal parts graceful and gritty—her canoe duets with the ocean feel like poetry in motion. Johnson, of course, steals every scene he’s in, but this time with nuance: Maui’s bravado cracks to reveal scars from his immortal loneliness, making his hook-swinging antics land with emotional weight. The supporting cast shines too—Adams brings sharp wit and swordplay to her rogueish role, while Owen’s ethereal presence as the ancestral guide delivers chills and laughs in equal measure. The ensemble’s chemistry crackles, turning group numbers into infectious anthems that had my theater row swaying like palm trees in a gale.

What truly sets this live-action wave apart is the breathtaking production design. Filmed on location in Hawaii and Fiji with a commitment to authentic Polynesian craftsmanship, the visuals pop with a vibrancy that CGI alone couldn’t capture—think handwoven sails billowing in real trade winds and bioluminescent lagoons that glow like living jewels. Weta Digital (fresh from Avatar) handles the fantastical elements seamlessly: Maui’s shape-shifting tattoos ripple with practical prosthetics blended into photoreal effects, and the ocean itself—personified by a shimmering, shape-shifting entity—feels like a co-star, not a green-screen afterthought. The musical sequences are a feast, choreographed with haka-inspired dances that pulse with cultural reverence, set to a score that fuses ukuleles, taiko drums, and orchestral swells. If there’s a ripple in the tide, it’s the runtime’s occasional lag during lore-heavy exposition—some mythical backstory dumps feel like they’re treading water—but it never fully sinks the momentum.

Moana 2: Live-Action is a triumphant return to the reef, proving sequels can chart new courses without losing sight of home. It’s a love letter to Pacific heritage that invites everyone aboard, delivering laughs, tears, and toe-tapping tunes in a package that’s as rewatchable as a sunset cruise. Families, fantasy fans, and anyone who’s ever felt the pull of the unknown: set sail for this one. The heart of Te Fiti beats stronger than ever.

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