It’s no little secret that Hollywood — like most every facet of society — has been and continues to be a man’s world first and foremost. All the love to the gonzo Schwarzenegger outings of yore, but there’s something to be said about Hollywood’s longtime failure to consistently tell stories from outside the male perspective.

But change has dared to rear its head this past year. Per Deadline, 2024 marks the first time in recent (and almost certainly recorded) history that female-led films matched the percentage of male-led films among the top domestic grossing flicks of the year.

Indeed, of the top 100 highest-grossing domestic films of 2024, male- and female-led films both came in at 42% of the share, with ensemble casts making up the remaining 16%.

Moreover, three of the top five highest-grossing domestic films of 2024 were led by women. Inside Out 2 — Pixar’s beloved odyssey about feelings that have feelings — boasted the highest domestic gross of the year, and happened to have a voice cast led by Amy Schumer. Auliʻi Cravalho’s Moana 2, meanwhile, had the third highest domestic gross of the year. Finally, Wicked‘s double-threat of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande helped it nab fifth place on the domestic gross chart, and also become the highest grossing live-action film led by women.

Other prominent contributors to this achievement in cinematic gender parity were the Anya Taylor-Joy-led Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, the Cailee Spaeny sci-fi vehicle Alien: Romulus, A24’s Kirsten Dunst-enabled Civil War, and Challengers, the latest in what will hopefully be a long line of Zendaya’s leading lady efforts.

Elsewhere, The Substance and Anora (starring Demi Moore and Mikey Madison, respectively) ed Wicked in representing the awards season royalty among this crowd of history-making female-led films. Speaking of The Substance — in which Moore’s protagonist finds herself in a debilitating personal war with her age — there exists another element to the status of women’s representation in film that proves work still needs to be done.

The study from Dr. Martha Lauzen’s annual report on the subject (titled It’s a Man’s (Celluloid) World and sourced by Deadline) suggests that, of the female characters with speaking roles in the highest-grossing domestic films of 2024, the majority of them are in their 20s and 30s; 23% in their 20s and 35% in their 30s.

These numbers drop significantly for women 40 and over, going down to 16% from the 35% of speaking roles for women in their 30s. Speaking roles for male characters, meanwhile, increase with that age range, going up to 31% for male characters in their 40s from the 25% of men in their 30s.

Speaking roles decay slower with the age of male characters, too. Sixteen percent of male speaking roles consist of characters in their 50s, while just 6% of speaking roles comprise women in their 50s. Men in their 60s, meanwhile, have 9% of the speaking roles, while women have just 5%.

This, despite the likes of The Substance, The Last Showgirl (starring Pamela Anderson), and the June Squibb-led Thelma capturing more than their fair share of hearts this past year. Surprise, surprise; the depth of experience inherent to older women makes for some pretty fantastic storytelling material. We ought to honor that more diligently going forward.

In a story that has all the workings of a Disney fairytale, Auli’i Cravalho has recalled the “full-circle moment” of being able to buy her mother a house in the wake of Moana’s success.

Cravalho — who voices the Disney princess in both its first outing and its newly released sequel — reflected on the fruits of her success in a recent interview, saying her involvement in the film allowed her to give back to her mother, Puanani. The actress, who was raised on food stamps on the Big Island and Oahu, Hawaii, recalled “living in a one-bedroom apartment” at the time of her casting in Moana, which would go on to become a record-breaking franchise for Disney. 

“I slept in the bedroom, my mom slept on the couch,” Cravalho recalled, “she gave me everything.” Naturally, a leading role in one of Disney’s biggest blockbusters changed Cravalho’s life overnight, though perhaps the biggest milestone, according to the actress, was purchasing Puanani a new home. “I bought my mommy a house,” she told People, adding that her mother is now “happily retired.” The purchase was especially meaningful for Cravalho, who gushed about how her “parents give you so much.”

“Kids feel a little indebted, but we feel so grateful for our parents’ sacrifices,” she added. While Cravalho has had years to coast on the success of Moana, she said Puanani always reminded her to remain grounded, unlike her sea-bound princess counterpart. “My parents were like, ‘Listen, if [Moana] doesn’t go anywhere, you need to finish high school,’” the actress recalled, adding that her mother and father still told her “to do the dishes” and “fix your bed” even as  Moana was becoming a worldwide phenomenon. 

“‘Don’t let it get to your head,’” her parents would tell her. It’s a humble and irable approach to navigating your child’s success, especially since — if in the same position — my mom would probably push in front of me on the Disney red carpet and try to befriend Dwayne Johnson, before going home for a glass of wine in the new house I bought her. Oh, she’d probably still tell me to do the dishes, too. Buying her mom a house felt like something of a full-circle moment for Cravalho, with the ten-year gap between the two Moana movies offering a “full decade [to] look back at just how much growth I’ve gone through,” she said. 

Perhaps a second house could be on the horizon (or “on the edge of the water”), since Moana 2 this week broke the box office record for the biggest five-day domestic opening ever, suring that of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The sequel, which sees Cravalho reprise the title role alongside Johnson, Nicole Scherzinger, and Alan Tudyk, sees Moana journey the seas yet again after receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinder ancestors. 

The clear moneymaker that it is, Moana is also set to get the live-action treatment (this is Disney, after all), with a third installment of the franchise slated for 2026. Here’s hoping the live-action version offers less nightmarish CGI fusions of sea creatures than 2023’s The Little Mermaid, because that rendition of Sebastian still haunts my dreams. Anyway, I’m off to keep hustling and hopefully land a leading role in a Disney movie… if only to fulfill my mom’s dream of meeting The Rock.

Without any delay, Moana 2 is a certified hit, and the movie didn’t just crush the box office competition, but it also set a handful of major records with its historic debut. But is anyone really surprised?

Moana 2 is the sequel to Disney’s most streamed movie ever, the 2016 animated hit that turned into a Goliath franchise with its arrival on Disney Plus. Naturally, having this much popularity from the jump, the sequel was always going to do well — but it really succeeded in capturing all of its possible accolades when it dropped on Nov. 27, 2024.

The film is now the record-holder for the biggest five-day domestic opening ever, knocking The Super Mario Bros. Movie from its top spot. Alongside that achievement, Moana 2 also boasts the highest Thanksgiving weekend domestic box office take of all time, beating out Frozen 2. In fact, it almost doubled Frozen 2’s Thanksgiving day take of $15 million.

Overall, Moana 2 managed to earn $221 million domestically in its first five days, but it also performed well internationally, taking home a worldwide total to $386 million. On a global scale, it also reached for the record books with the year’s second biggest opening behind Deadpool & Wolverine, the third biggest opening for an animated movie ever, and plenty more accolades in specific markets. Needless to say, this movie is a success.

It wasn’t just the love for the original movie that drove this sequel to early box office success. Disney carefully crafted a global advertising campaign worth more than $100 million to ensure that everybody (and we mean everybody) knew the sequel was coming. This included collaborations with Hawaiian Airlines, Verizon, Oral B, Minecraft, and a lot more. The good news for the House of Mouse is that it all seemed to pay off, so Disney execs are probably singing with as much enthusism as their most profitable ocean-bound princess.

Even before it reached theaters, Moana 2 was already setting records. Back in October, the movie broke Fandango’s record for most ticket presales in one day, which naturally became a driving factor in its eventual day-one success.

While the box office tells the tale of an incredible movie, reviewers would think differently. Right now, the sequel is only sitting with an average 65 percent critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, a substantial downgrade from the first movie’s 95 percent. However, audiences are taking to the movie much more kindly than reviewers (as is so often the case), and Moana 2 currently has a much better 87 percent score among audiences.

Perhaps the critic score will change as more media have a chance to see the film, since who can deny the magic of beautifully sun tunes and equally beautiful animation? All of this success is great news for Disney, since this sequel was initially planned to be a Disney Plus show rather than a movie. Retooling the story for the big screen would have been a giant task, but it has paid off in spades so far, and there are no signs of any of this momentum slowing down soon.

If you loved the first film but haven’t yet had a chance to see Moana 2 the animated hit is available in cinemas around the globe right now.

Moana 2 has finally arrived after eight long years of anticipation, but early reviews suggest the sequel falls far short of expectations. While the beloved characters and stunning visuals are back, fans and critics alike are questioning whether the magic that made the original a blockbuster is missing this time around.

Disappointed fans are already looking to Disney for redemption, and the entertainment giant may have slyly hinted at its next big hit: the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch.

Moana 2’s Mixed Reception

Expectations soared since Disney announced the theatrical release of Moana 2 earlier this year. The original 2016 film grossed $687.2 million worldwide and became a cultural phenomenon, thanks in part to its heartfelt storyline and memorable soundtrack. Teasers for the sequel promised a familiar adventure, with Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprising their roles. But as reviews roll in, it seems the sequel has left audiences underwhelmed.

Critics have described Moana 2 as lacking the emotional depth and innovative storytelling of its predecessor. Some have gone as far as to call it a “pretend sequel,” better suited for a Disney Plus series or a straight-to-DVD release reminiscent of Disney’s earlier attempts to expand its animated universes.

Even the soundtrack — a cornerstone of the original film’s success — has been deemed forgettable, leaving fans longing for the magic of “How Far I’ll Go.” While Moana 2 is on track to be a financial success, with record-breaking preview numbers and a projected $145 million in its opening weekend according to Forbes, the mixed reception has left fans wondering if Disney is leaning too heavily on nostalgia without delivering the substance to back it up.

Disney’s Subtle Nod to the Future

Enter Lilo & Stitch. Hours after the lukewarm reception to Moana 2 began circulating, Disney posted a tantalizing teaser for the live-action adaptation of the 2002 cult classic. The Instagram post featured an image of Stitch mischievously biting into a Kakamora—those coconut-armored mini-pirates from the Moana universe—with the cheeky tagline, “Hold on to your coconuts.”

The caption, “You never know how far Stitch will go. #LiloAndStitch, coming to theaters May 23, 2025,” sparked immediate speculation among fans. Was this a playful jab at Moana 2’s shortcomings? Or was Disney hinting that Lilo & Stitch is the next big thing to reinvigorate its brand?

Many fans in the comments interpreted the post as a promise that Lilo & Stitch will deliver where Moana 2 fell short. Others speculated about a potential crossover, given that both stories are rooted in Polynesian and Hawaiian culture, albeit in different timelines. The idea of Moana meeting Lilo — or even teaming up with Stitch — has set imaginations alight.

Will Lilo & Stitch Be the Comeback Disney Needs?

The stakes are high for Disney as it navigates a mixed bag of reactions to its sequels and live-action remakes. While the studio has seen massive financial success with its live-action reimaginings like The Lion King and Aladdin, it has also faced criticism for not capturing the heart of the originals. With Lilo & Stitch, fans hope Disney will stay true to the quirky charm and emotional depth that made the 2002 animated film a fan favorite.

The timing of the Lilo & Stitch teaser is obviously linked to Moana 2, though we doubt Disney is already pivoting attention away from the sequel to hide its relatively mediocre reception. Whether this live-action remake can truly blow Moana 2 “out of the water” remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Disney knows how to keep its audience talking.

Once upon a time, sequels to Walt Disney Animation Studio’s biggest hits were little more than direct-to-video cash grabs trying to squeeze some extra dollars from a successful property. Fortunately, in recent years, the House of Mouse realized it would be better for the brand to put some elbow grease into follow-ups. These efforts still fall short of creating masterpieces, as Ralph Breaks the Internet and Frozen 2 failed to capture the originals’ magic. Still, they were good enough to justify a trip to the theater. Moana 2, on the other hand, makes a good argument against Disney ever doing a sequel again.

Moana 2 reveals that returning Te Fiti’s heart was not enough to free the ocean. The currents connecting all the tribes in the world remain locked because the vengeful god Nalo has sunk the island from where all the traveling routes flow. Suddenly, that becomes an urgent necessity, as the people of Motunui realize they will go extinct if they remain isolated. That means Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho), now officially a wayfarer, has to reverse Nalo’s curse if she ever hopes to find other people.

This premise is enough to reveal that Moana 2’s plot is as shallow as a puddle. The first movie underlined how Motunui thrived for centuries before Moana first decided to restore her people’s ancient exploration tradition, a fact that’s now put into question. Plus, the sequel never explains exactly why the big baddie Nalo has gone to such extreme lengths to erase humanity’s history. Everything is just put into place to justify Moana gathering a new crew and going on a new adventure, even though every turn of the tide leaves us soaked with disappointment.

What made the first Moana so unexpectedly good is how Jared Bush’s script weaves together mythology with deep themes of building your own identity, finding value in tradition, and humans’ responsibility to protect nature. Yes, Moana is exciting, but it also has something to say, which explains its continued appeal long after the hype of the release has vanished. The same cannot be said for the sequel, which just reuses fantasy and adventure tropes, splashes a Polynesian paint on top of it, and calls it a day.

Right from the start, it’s clear that the primary goal of Moana 2 is to turn a solid standalone story into an expansive franchise. To do that, the sequel has to stop every few minutes to slosh another gallon of half-baked exposition at the audience. The story takes the backseat, as Moana 2 needs to ensure everyone has learned the names of the new gods, fantastic creatures, and mythical concepts that will come into play for a threequel and beyond. As for the titular character, she’s just there, being dragged by the currents of multiple deus ex machinae that steal her focus as the protagonist in favor of simple solutions — the plot must move on, even if that means sacrificing Moana’s agency in her world.

It would be easy to blame the extra pair of hands who wrote Moana 2, as Dana Ledoux Miller s Bush for the sequel. However, the disconnectedness of the movie’s scenes smells like an executive intervention. Moana 2 is less worried about being a good movie than checking all the boxes in a pre-threequel list. Meanwhile, it forgets that while there’s nothing wrong with being ambitious and betting big in the future, if you want people to keep coming back for more, you must ensure your current installment is enjoyable.

It’s not just that Moana 2 is inferior to its predecessor in every aspect. The movie is also a slog. The constant plot dump and the miraculous resolution of almost every conflict botch the sequel’s rhythm to a point where even a 100-minute runtime feels too much to bear. It doesn’t help that Moana and Maui (voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) don’t get character arcs, instead retreading their steps and revisiting the same conflicts of the first movie. Maui suffers the most, being reduced to little more than a glorified cameo sprinkled over the script so his demi-god abilities can be part of the final battle.

As for the newcomers, Moana is ed by three of her tribemates in the sequel, each reduced to a single personality trait. There’s Moni (voiced by Hualālai Chung), a Maui fan; Loto (voiced by Rose Matafeo), an anxious inventor; and Kele (voiced by David Fane), a grumpy farmer. None of them has a single line that goes with the stereotypical representation they get when they first appear, and their presence doesn’t change the plot significantly.

To be clear, the voice cast is terrific, and the little fun Moana 2 has to offer comes from their genuine enthusiasm for the project. Even so, using 3D animation on such unidimensional characters feels like a waste, as no bright and colorful set piece can compensate for a group of forgettable characters.

Moana 2’s biggest sin, though, is how bland the musical numbers are compared to those of the first movie. The first movie’s musical direction was so good that “You’re Welcome” became a hit regardless of Johnson’s singing voice sounding like, well, Johnson. In the sequel, it’s easy to realize that the whole cast cannot sing, as they paired Johnson’s rugged voice with the worst tune of an unmemorable batch.

The only exception is Awhimai Fraser’s song. The actress voices Matangi, a mysterious addition to Moana lore who steals every scene she appears. But once she starts singing “Get Lost,” you realize that’s her movie, not Moana’s. If there’s justice in the world, the song will be a runner for the awards season, and every Hollywood studio will compete for Fraser in the years.

Aside from that, Moana 2 still looks amazing. The water effects crafted for the first movie were refined for the sequel, and the ocean rarely looks this good in animation. Since the sequel deals with storms and strong winds, the technical team has the opportunity to showcase the incredible talent fostered at Walt Disney Animation. That does result in an eye-popping spectacle. We only wish there was a better story to go along with it.

2016’s Moana wasn’t just a film — it was a phenomenon. Like Frozen which came before it, and Encanto which came after it, Moana was lightning in a bottle. It felt like we were witnessing an animated renaissance for Disney.

Despite already being an adult at the time of its release even I was caught up in the wave of excitement that preceded this film and I wasn’t disappointed upon leaving the theater either. The first movie lived up to the hype and then some. So Moana 2 is finally here and people are excited — the hype train has left the station. Based on the reception to the first film alone, you’d expect something truly magical, truly worthy of being called a sequel to that original, but can the sequel really live up to that?

What are reviewers saying about ‘Moana 2’?

First impressions seem to be a resounding “meh,” with one X calling the film “lovely but underwhelming,” and “still a serviceable film.”

#Moana2 fails to reach the emotional heights of its predecessor under the weight of a rushed script & lackluster musical numbers. However, it’s still a serviceable film thanks to some stunning visuals & a winning performance by Auli’i Cravalho. Lovely but underwhelming. pic.twitter.com/cU8CBh2cox

— adam (@apat10) November 26, 2024

OK, well that’s a tad disappointing considering we’ve waited eight years for this. Somehow the phrase “still a serviceable film” sounds worse than calling it straight-up bad. Like damn, this film won’t even be ed in a month — at least Disney’s last animated flop, Wish, got people talking, even if for all the wrong reasons.

But that’s just one person’s opinion, right? Maybe they just weren’t feeling it. 

Moana 2 was… a movie. You could tell it used to be a TV show, because it gives off “plot of the week” every 20 minutes. It has an interesting concept which I don’t thing they utilised that well, and the main villain is possibly the worst I’ve seen in a Disney movie. Post credit… pic.twitter.com/xU2XYrGFPx

— Joe (@hzjoe03) November 26, 2024

Although I wish that were the case it seems most reviewers are giving equally tepid reactions, calling the film “inconsequential,” “safe” and “hollow.” Ouch.

saw MOANA 2 — it’s beautifully animated so you can see why they felt this was a spectacle worthy of the big screen, but unfortunately the film feels inconsequential and emotionally cold compared to its predecessor. charming and entertaining, but ultimately safe and hollow.

— tyler “llewyn” taing (@tylerllewtaing) November 26, 2024

Why is Moana 2 receiving poor reviews?

I’m tempted to chalk this up to the Dwayne Johnson curse (seriously, that guy picks the worst movies) but the reviews all seem to agree on one major factor that held Moana 2 back: It wasn’t supposed to be a movie.

The original story was planned to be a Disney Plus exclusive series but for “story reasons” it was decided to make it a movie. Dialogue was changed, songs were cut or added, but ultimately it did nothing to save the film.

And let’s talk about those songs because the first film had some great musical numbers. In fact, every song in Moana was a real earworm. Can we at least get excited for some new music in the sequel? 

the music is… fine. some numbers are fun in the moment, but it lacks the urgency and depth that Lin Manuel Miranda’s music had. instead, these are imitations of classic Disney song tropes. so many songs reference motifs from the first movie. don’t remind me of better songs!

— tyler “llewyn” taing (@tylerllewtaing) November 26, 2024

No. No we can’t. In fact, just don’t get excited about anything ever again because like the rest of the movie, the songs are reportedly “lacklustre” or “fine” at best. Despite having Dwayne Johnson’s permission, I doubt fans will be singing along this time.

This whole thing reminds me of those old straight-to-DVD Disney sequels that were so much worse than the original films. Who could forget Cinderella II: Dreams Come True or The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride (Okay that film was all right). Moana 2 isn’t quite at that level but it’s definitely giving early 2000’s Disney vibes.

Anyway, reviewers aren’t always right. In fact, there are plenty of reactions online from those who enjoyed the film. It’s not bad, it’s just not going to live up to the high expectations set by the first film, (but did we realistically expect it to?) If you’re excited for Moana 2 then check it out and make up your own mind. But if you want to play it safe and experience a magical film with guaranteed great musical numbers currently in theaters right now, I’d recommend this little film called Wicked — maybe you’ve heard of it?

Dwayne Johnson has voted “Yes” on the referendum about singing along to musicals at the movie theater and, we’re sorry to say this, but it’s become abundantly clear that he hasn’t been to your run-of-the-mill cinema in a minute.

“Sing! You’ve paid your hard-earned money for a ticket, and you’ve gone into a musical, and you’re into it. Sing,” Johnson told BBC News at Moana 2‘s London premiere.

The 52-year-old actor is reprising his role as Maui in the soon-to-premiere sequel to Moana, and he’s given fans the green light to sing along to the new songs, including “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?,” the successor to his epic solo from the first film, “You’re Welcome.” Disney has even released the soundtrack ahead of time to get you ready for your screening.

“This is a terrible take,” weighed in one X . “This man is out of touch. People who have paid their hard earned money for a ticket don’t want to hear Brenda who is sat a few seats away, screeching at the top of her lungs,” agreed another.

The discourse around the topic was mostly triggered by the smashing success of Wicked, the film adaptation of the equally popular eponymous Broadway musical starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

Now that Wicked has officially pulled the musical genre out of the dungeon Hollywood had thrown it in, the people are in need of re-learning some movie-going etiquette. There’s a reason singing along is frowned upon by the Broadway community, and that same energy should carry over to movie theaters.

At a pop or rock concert, the sound is incredibly loud and part of the energy originates from the audience ing in. For theater and film, however, the experience should be about enjoying the performers’ more intricate craft — and you can’t very well do that if someone is attempting to hit the “Defying Gravity” notes in the row above you.

Though Johnson thinks paying “your hard-earned money for a ticket” grants you the right to belt out your favorite show tunes or Disney songs during a screening, he’s forgetting about everyone else who also paid to watch and listen to the film’s cast, not you. If you are that tempted to participate, either quietly hum along, or wait for your local theater chain to organize a special karaoke screening.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have also given their two cents

Wicked stars Grande and Erivo, both masterful singers, were a little more diplomatic with their stand on the heated debate, giving reason to both sides. “It’s tempting,” the Glinda actress told NBC. “I say, if you come the first time and you sing through, sing through. But come a second time and let us sing to you,” said the Elphaba performer. Grande’s real feelings about the topic almost jumped out from under all the media training, though. “If someone throws popcorn or their phone at you, maybe stop,” she joked.

Although there are no plans yet for Moana 2 sing-along screenings, Universal Pictures has announced Wicked showings specifically designed for viewers to in (we assume, at the expense of the people watching other movies, like Gladiator II, in the next room). These will be happening starting Christmas Day across a thousand North American cinemas, per Variety. Disney previously did the same for Frozen and the first Moana, so we say Johnson and everyone desperate to show off their pipes in a rendition of “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?” should wait until then.

Disney has a long history with its princesses, dating back to 1937 when Walt Disney first introduced the first-ever Disney princess movie, Snow White. Over time, even the House of Mouse moved with the times, and in 2016 they introduced the first Polynesian princess: Moana. Flash forward to eight years later, Moana 2 is here, and the voice actress is as regal as her character.

Auli’i Cravalho voiced the titular character in the 2016 animated film and reprised her role in the sequel. The actress was a teenager when she was cast as the Polynesian Disney princess and grew up with the character. Cravalho just celebrated her 24th birthday at the world premiere of Moana 2 in Hawaii. “Returning for Moana 2 truly feels like coming home,” the voice actress told Vogue. “I was cast as Moana at 14 years old, and [now] I celebrated my 24th birthday at midnight. Knowing that Moana had also grown up since we last saw her — three years have ed in Motunui between our films — was incredibly exciting to me, as Moana is the first Disney princess to age.”

Now, the Native Hawaiian has embarked on the press tour honoring the character, and we know how far she’ll go to steal our hearts and represent Moana, as she wore a nature-themed dress for the latest premiere of the highly-anticipated sequel.

Auli’i Cravalho has subtly been method dressing to promote Moana 2

Auli’i Cravalho and her co-star Dwayne Johnson rocked the red carpet in London, U.K. to promote Moana 2, and the voice actress looked ethereal in an Oscar de la Renta gown. The light blue tulle of the floor-length dress featured flower embroidery on the upper side of the gown, and, unlike the dress presented by the brand on the original model, the gown fell in waves to the floor.

The gown fully honored Cravalho’s character and her connection to the sea and nature, and the choice has been widely praised online, although some had an issue with the length.

“Honestly I love it. Long length and all. It feels like a fairy princess dream,” wrote a fan. Another agreed, “This is stunning on her, I’ll forgive the length.”

On her official Instagram , fans were also thrilled with her outfit. “Can we have a little commotion for the DRESS??">

For the first event, Cravalho donned a creamy crop top with a draped shell coverup and blackwaisted pants from Afa Ah Loo for a modern take on a traditional outfit. With several red-carpet premieres left to go, Auli’i Cravalho’s style has us wondering: What could be better than this?

Moana‘s sequel is less than a month away and the movie is proving once again that this franchise is a goldmine, and one of Disney’s biggest properties of the modern era. How is it maintaining this crown jewel status, you ask? Well, it’s already breaking records even before its arrival.

Presales are now live for Moana 2 ahead of its Nov. 27 release date, and it has sured all other animated movies in 2024 when it comes to first-day ticket sales. Fandango shared the news of this new record on social media.Securing this record is no small feat.

Coincidently, Disney and Pixar may have snatched the top presale ticket title back from themselves, with another of their 2024 offerings, Inside Out 2, likewise being a massive animated success this year. Moana also beat out blockbuster films from other studios which include animations like The Garfield Movie and Kung Fu Panda 4, and the new addition to the seemingly endless Transformers franchise, Transformers One.

When comparing these sales against all movies — including live-action — this year, Moana 2 lands comfortably in fourth place, behind cinema goliaths Deadpool & Wolverine, Wicked, and Dune: Part 2. This is great company to keep and an indication that this sequel should live up to the box-office performance of the first film. Moana earned more than $643 million worldwide when it was released back in 2016.

The movie was unanimously regarded as a hit and has since become one of Disney’s most popular modern franchises, ending 2023 as the most streamed movie on any platform. Riding this wave of momentum, we expect that the sequel will do just as well, if not better than the first movie. For perspective, Inside Out 2 outperformed its predecessor and reached more than one billion dollars at the box office during its run earlier this year.

According to Fandango that sequel still did less first-day early sales than Moana 2, so the stage is set for a major box office eruption when it finally gets here. November is expected to be a gigantic month at the box office in 2024, with both Wicked and Gladiator II set to arrive just days before the Moana sequel. Wicked happens to be one of the three films that has achieved more day-one ticket presales than Moana 2, so it too is primed to have a big start at the box office.

Moana 2 will see the titular character journey to the far seas of Oceania after receiving a call from her ancestors. All of the first films’ key cast will be returning to voice their characters once again, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho as Maui and Moana, respectively.

You can get a glimpse of the action through the film’s trailer which also showed just how powerful this franchise has become by reaching more than 178 million views across all platforms in just 24 hours when it was released back in May.

If you want to refresh your mind on what went down in the first film it is available to stream on Disney Plus. Expect to see a lot of news regarding Moana 2 before and after its arrival in cinemas on Nov. 27, 2024. You can get your tickets now through Fandango and all of the other usual places.

Popcorn buckets have become a bit of a *thing* over the last few years, as fresh movies mastermind increasingly ambitious buckets to accompany those big screen releases.

It was Dune: Part 2 that really put the bucket wars on the map, despite the rise in prevalence of popcorn buckets several years before the blockbuster release hit screens. While it was likely a side effect of COVID that really sparked the idea — how do we get audiences back in theaters? Collectible popcorn paraphernalia, of course! — it was the dedication from studios that made the effort stick. Who doesn’t want to slide their hand into a many-toothed mouth that also looks suspiciously risqué? Or head home with a gaping-mouthed Wolvie smeared with butter stains? That’s the true sign of affluence in 2024 right there.

The popcorn receptacle trend isn’t dying out anytime soon, and Disney is wholeheartedly plunging back into the ring with its dual submissions for the highly-anticipated Moana 2. The sought-after sequel is headed to the big screen in less than a month, and when it lands it will do so in style, with a carefully themed bucket to satisfy snackish viewers.

The bucket itself is sure to satisfy even famished moviegoers, but the same can’t be said for its fellow Moana-themed snack receptacle. The popcorn bucket is nice and sizeable, and features a tiny Moana on a sandy beach next to a massive wave. The wave will serve as the “bucket” portion of the item, with the top set on hinges so it can be opened up and flooded to the brim with tasty, buttery goodness.

Its the nacho option that really raises questions, despite its truly adorable design. Moviegoers can also get a Moana-themed nacho tray — designed after Moana’s hardy little boat — and its honestly a delightful little toy, complete with a sliding top that conceals the chamber inside. The issue? Its tiny as all get-out, and likely can’t fit more than a small handful of chips and dip before it runs dry.

Movie theater nachos are not some “eat one and you’re done” treat. They are an indulgence, and deserve to be treated as such. The only way to enjoy those stale chips and plain, barely better than plastic cheese sauce is en masse, and with no shortage of pickled jalapeños to spice up the experience.

As such, any nacho tray provided to theatergoers should be twice the size of that meager little boat, at least. What is this, a tray for ants? Who’s going to eat five chips and throw in the towel, especially after spending upwards of $30 on them? Sure, you get to take the charming little tray home with you, but is it worth the cost when so little cheesy goodness is included?

There’s only one reasonable recourse, given the truly paltry size of the nacho boat. Assuming unlimited nacho refills are included in the boat’s price, its not an unreasonable purchase. Yes, it will be annoying to traipse back and forth to the concessions stand a minimum of 12 times so you can fill your tiny container to its entire six-chip capacity, but post-movie, that little boat could boast all kinds of contents. Sliced cheese and meat, alongside crackers, for a mid-afternoon snack? Absolutely. Even a sandwich could conceivable cram itself into the tiny allotted space with enough effort, which is hopefully enough to make the purchase worthwhile.

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The film that redefined the image and idea of Disney princesses, Moana remains a timeless classic for its deep cultural themes and strong, independent characters. Do you still all of them?

The year was 2016, and Disney decided to twist its time-tested formula of roping audiences with the “princess finds her prince charming” stories after debuting 12 of them already. The result was a multi-dimensional epic adventure rooted in Polynesian mythology, history, and traditions, led by a strong female protagonist. Moana thus dodged above the prince-charming cliché and brought a refreshing plot navigating personal growth, relationships, and self-discovery.

The titular heroine, Moana, did not simply fit into a traditional princess role but became a symbol of empowerment and a role model for young viewers. In fact, every other character in the film is distinctive in ways that set them apart from typical ing characters and villains. To give you a trip down memory lane and another chance to appreciate these multi-faceted characters, here’s a list of every Moana character from the princess herself and her unconventional friends, to Te Fiti, a unique twist on the traditional Disney villain.

Heroes:

1. Moana

The protagonist who embarks on a journey to save her people, Moana is the curious daughter of village chief Tui and his wife Sina. The ocean chooses her to restore the heart of Te Fiti and save the people of the Polynesian island of Motunui. Moana’s journey centers on self-development rather than a romantic love relationship, unlike other Disney princesses.

2. Maui

Initially appearing self-centered and boastful, Maui is a shapeshifting demigod voiced by Dwayane Johnson who aids Moana in her quest. The movie takes him on his journey of redemption and self-acceptance and elevates him above the role of comedic relief or sidekick into a true hero.

3. Mini Maui

In essence, Mini Maui is a tattoo that serves as Maui’s conscience. Still, it meddles and expresses disapproval when Maui acts self-serving. Mini Maui highlights Maui’s inner conflicts and acts as an alter ego, which adds depth to the character and offers much-needed comedic relief.

4. Ocean

Acts as a guiding force and ally to Moana. In Moana, the Ocean is a sentient power that borders on the divine. It actively assists Moana on her voyage as she goes on to heal Te Fiti’s heart. Ocean never speaks or takes on a physical form, but is more of an ally with a mystery will than the conventional sidekick characters.

Villains:

5. Te Kā

The flaming lava monster Te Kā is initially shown as the main adversary of the movie. However, Te Kā turns out to be Te Fiti, the goddess of life, who became vengeful after Maui stole her heart. The duality of Te Kā and Te Fiti is a unique twist on the traditional Disney villain.

6. Tamatoa

Tamatoa is a minor antagonist who poses a frightening and funny obstacle to Moana and Maui during their trip. He is an enormous, conceited crab who lives in the Realm of Monsters and is completely enamored with anything sparkling. His persona is a satire of conceit and consumerism. He’s voiced by Jemaine Clement.

7. Kakamora

In Moana, the Kakamora are tiny pirates with coconut armor who assault Moana and Maui to take Te Fiti’s heart. Drawing inspiration from Polynesian tradition, the Kakamora are shown as having strong features and an exaggerated build that contrasts with their small size. They so turn into a frightening yet humorous danger.

ing Characters—Moana’s family:

8. Hei Hei the Rooster

Hei Hei is Moana’s dim-witted pet rooster who unintentionally assists Moana on her trip by putting her in circumstances that help her grow. While being viewed as a pointless character, Hei Hei brings humor to the movie, and demonstrates that even the unlikeliest characters can have a function.

9. Pua the Pig

Moana’s cute pet pig, Pua, represents both her adventurous spirit and her ties to her hometown. Unlike her other pet, Pua doesn’t accompany Moana on her ocean journey; instead, his role symbolizes Moana’s love for her family and island.

10. Chief Tui

Chief Tui is the head of Motunui Island, and Moana’s strong and incredibly loving father. Because of his traumatic relationship with the sea, he is naturally protective, and first tells Moana not to go beyond the reef.

11. Sina

Sina is Moana’s mother and wife of Chief Tui. Unlike the Chief, Sina understands Moana’s adventurous spirit, and recognizes that Moana’s destiny may lie beyond the island. She balances her husband’s overprotectiveness with gentle encouragement.

12. Gramma Tala

Moana’s grandmother, Tala, is also her spiritual guide, deeply connected to the island’s history and culture. She is the custodian of the island’s folklore, including the story of Te Fiti and Maui, which inspires Moana’s voyage. Tala encourages Moana to embrace her fate, and guides her in her spirit form even after her death.

Other ing Characters:

13. Te Fiti

Te Fiti is a goddess of creation and life who can mold ecosystems and islands into places of beauty and fertility. After Maui steals her heart, she becomes Te Kā, a destructive lava monster, and her heart’s restoration becomes the plot’s driving force. Her metamorphosis brings to light themes of equilibrium and the fallout from environmental abuse.

14. Matai Vasa

Matai Vasa is a village elder in Moana who helps guide the community with wisdom and experience, maintaining the social fabric of Motunui. Despite having a smaller part than other characters, he represents the generational knowledge that upholds the island’s way of life.

D23 has come and gone yet again, and the Mouse House proved to be as busy as ever as it showed off its plans for television, theme parks, and—the longtime bread and butter of the media giant—movies.

From Star Wars, to beloved franchises, to totally new films, to whatever the hell Dwayne Johnson is up to, here are all the film-centric announcements and reveals that reared their heads at D23 2024.

Toy Story 5, Incredibles 3, Zootopia 2, Moana 2, and Frozen 3

The sequel fare took up most of D23’s film spotlight, but with announcements like Toy Story 5 and The Incredibles 3 among those ranks, even the most ruthless proponent of originality can’t be disappointed.

Incredibles 3 was the biggest reveal, as this is the first we’re hearing about the film’s existence. Toy Story 5, meanwhile, named its director in Andrew Stanton, who gifted us Wall-E and Finding Nemo in the past. Other details on this unprecedented fifth entry in this unprecedentedly successful animated franchise include 50 rogue Buzz Lightyears and electronic toys as plot elements, and a Summer 2026 release date.

Elsewhere, Moana 2 (releasing Nov. 27 later this year), Zootopia 2 (releasing Nov. 26, 2025), and Frozen 3 (releasing 2027) had trailers, clips, and concept art to show off, respectively.

Lilo & Stitch, Snow White, and Mufasa: The Lion King

Disney’s not finished with their live-action remake venture by a long shot. Beyond getting our first look at live-action Stitch from the incoming Lilo & Stitch live-action remake (due in Summer 2025), we were also given trailers for the Rachel Zegler-led Snow White (March 21, 2025), and Mufasa: The Lion King (Dec. 20 later this year), the latter of which will be a completely new story set before the events of The Lion King.

Monster Jam

The award for the most out-of-left-field film announcement at D23 went to Dwayne Johnson, who revealed that he’s working together with Disney on a live-action Monster Jam movie. According to the movie star/khaki enthusiast, this “immersive” film will be told “from the POV of these incredible monster trucks. Eccentric and crazy drivers.”

It’s not immediately clear if this will be a narrative feature or a documentary, so we’ll just have to wait and see what Johnson’s cooking here.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

The third entry in James Cameron’s box office-busting Avatar series had its title revealed as Avatar: Fire and Ash. We already knew that we would be introduced to an antagonistic, fire-based Na’vi clan, but no other details beyond some concept art were released at the event.

Avatar: Fire and Ash hits theaters on Dec. 19, 2025.

Hoppers and Elio

Disney isn’t just about remakes and sequels and brands; thanks to Pixar, the Mouse House had some updates on the original film front, including the first-ever reveal of Hoppers. Starring Jon Hamm, Bobby Moynihan, and Piper Curda, Hoppers follows Mabel, a young girl who can transfer her mind into a robotic beaver; an ability she uses to see what animal life is like. She later unites with a plethora of woodland creatures, including a high-ranking beaver named King George, to help protect their home from a real estate developer. Hoppers hits theaters in spring 2026.

Elio, meanwhile, got a D23-exclusive trailer as it prepares to hit theaters next summer on June 13, 2025. The sci-fi flick was originally supposed to release on March 1 earlier this year, but a change in leadership on multiple Pixar projects coupled with the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike saw it get delayed.

The Mandalorian & Grogu

The Filoni era of Star Wars is set to hit the big screen for the first time on May 22, 2026 with The Mandalorian & Grogu. Footage at the event showed off Grogu in his own suit of Mandalorian Beskar armor, which will surely do wonders for Disney’s merchandizing profits.

Freakier Friday

Somehow, Hoppers wasn’t the biggest bodyswap-adjacent film announcement of the event. Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, stars of 2003’s Freaky Friday, revealed the sequel’s title as Freakier Friday alongside some set photos featuring the duo. Freakier Friday releases in 2025.

Tron: Ares

And, of course, the announcement that no one was queuing up for but still managed to be one of the most epic of the evening; Tron: Ares not only got some event-exclusive footage featuring the eponymous new antagonist, but it was also revealed that the film’s soundtrack would be composed by none other than Nine Inch Nails. Now, Tron may not exactly be known as a “strength to strength” franchise, but going from Daft Punk to Nine Inch Nails is a statement and a half.

Tron: Ares hits theaters on Oct. 10, 2025.