A sequel to Disney’s “Moana” is set to release on Nov. 27, 2024. If this seems confusing, you’re not alone. Just a year ago, actor Dwayne Johnson announced he would return as Maui in a live-action retelling of the 2016 film.
Alex Pickering, professor of film studies and film production, explained the reasoning behind this double feature. Pickering acknowledged the role profit plays in deciding which films are produced but emphasized that it’s not the only factor.
“There is always the balance between artistic expression and the bottom line of the film industry,” Pickering said. “The remakes are an opportunity to reimagine, modernize and even expand upon many Disney classics and properties.”
Lauren Spencer, sophomore public relations major, said she enjoys most live-action remakes.
“Although some can include more of a story to them, for the most part, I enjoy them,” Spencer said.
Spencer’s favorite remakes are those that recreate stories from her childhood.
“I personally have enjoyed the live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘The Little Mermaid’,” Spencer said. “Because I remember watching the animated ones when I was much younger, seeing those come out when I am now older just makes me feel nostalgic.”
However, many people dislike live-action remakes. While Jordyn Tilley, senior film major, is not a fan of most remakes, she appreciates those that bring something new to the screen.
“’Maleficent’ and ‘Cruella’, on the other hand, told stories about some of our favorite villains and how they became villains,” Tilley said. “Each story was beautifully told alongside breathtaking cinematography and outstanding costume design.”
Despite her hesitancy, Tilley plans to watch the “Moana” sequel.
“I really enjoyed the first one, so I’m hoping the second one lives up to its predecessor,” Tilley said.
The sequel will follow Moana as she receives “an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors” and must “journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.”
While sequels are common for hit films, a “Moana” sequel may surprise those familiar with Disney’s history. Before successful sequels like “Frozen 2” and “Ralph Breaks the Internet”, Disney often released franchise films directly to DVD. Pickering explained these movies were made on much lower budgets than theatrical releases.
“While they did often profit, there was a feeling that they diluted the reputation of Disney’s popular franchises,” Pickering said. “Disney’s success comes from more than just the films themselves, but the tie-in toys, clothing, theme park rides, cruise attractions and more. Maintaining quality control over those properties became even more crucial as they expanded into other ancillary markets.”
According to Variety, “Moana 2” was originally planned as a Disney+ series. While the pandemic forced studios to rely on streaming, failures like “Strange World” and “Wish” shifted Disney’s strategy. For now, releasing films in theaters generates the greatest profit. This renewed focus on theatrical releases is bringing “Moana” back to the big screen.
Pickering warned, however, that not all sequels succeed.
Pointing to films like “Indiana Jones” and the “Dial of Destiny”, Pickering said, “We’ve seen even tried-and-true franchises fall short of expectations.”
With two “Moana” films releasing close together, Disney risks oversaturating audiences. Whether the sequel and remake will match the success of the original remains to be seen.
