Auli'i Cravalho was ablaze with "Polynesian pride" at the highly anticipated U.K. premiere of Disney's Moana sequel. Alongside Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, who returns to reprise his role as demigod Maui alongside Cravalho's titular princess, they braved the tempestuous London blue carpet on Sunday at the Leicester Square's Cineworld cinema. Just prior to their grand entrance, a troupe of dancers, adorned in authentic Polynesian attire, performed a traditional dance, electrifying the fan-laden event. Johnson briefly engaged with the press before diving into photo ops with his eager fans.
Cravalho, who was a mere 14 years old when she was first cast as the Wayfinder heroine, opened up to The Hollywood Reporter about the film's evolution from its predecessor and its emphasis on "the myths and mythology that I grew up with." "If our last film was about embracing the past, this one is about embracing the future," the proud Hawaiian native articulated. "We introduce a few characters and scenarios that amplify this theme. Take Simea, Moana's younger sister, whose allure tears at our hearts, making us ponder: Should we stay and cherish her, or heed the ancestors' call?"
She went on to express her enthusiasm for filming Moana 2: "Where to begin? Moana's impact resonates deeply, not just within my Pacific Islander community, but beyond. Witnessing a young Wayfinder on screen utilizing traditional techniques ignites Polynesian pride—it's a piece of indigenous wisdom straight from our hearts… Seeing folklore and myths, like Maui pulling islands from the sea, brings to life the stories I grew up with."
"Moreover, Disney's musical incorporation, where we burst into spontaneous song, fills my inner theater kid with joy," she added.
Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the sequel embarks on a quest to reunite the ocean's inhabitants after receiving a divine call from Moana's ancestors. Joined by her new team, voiced by Rose Matafeo, Hualalai Chung, and David Fane, the princess soon realizes the mission may demand sacrifices for her community's future.
"We didn't want to retread the first film," Hands revealed to THR. "We aimed to continue Moana's journey from that pivotal moment. We wouldn't have told this story if we didn't believe it was worthy."
The sequel is expected to sail towards a record-breaking $125 million-$135 million opening over the five-day Thanksgiving holiday corridor, according to tracking data shared with THR. Derrick Jr. elaborated on what draws audiences back to this oceanic adventure: "Moana represents the best of us. She's relentless, selfless, and bold. She's not afraid to confront a demigod or God. Yet, she's playful, silly, and relatable. Just like Auli'i—she embodies her character."
When prodded about the possibility of Moana 3, the directors were circumspect. "We've worked on both films. We're connected, but who knows?" Derrick Jr. mused.
Also in attendance were composers Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, who discussed the essence of the sequel's melody and lyrics. Bear explained, "This is the first time a [Disney] heroine ages. She's inspiring, brave, and magnificent—all the qualities we admire. Yet, she experiences deeply human moments in this film… The kids watching these movies grow up and face challenges. Seeing someone they admire navigate those moments, rather than being defeated by them, is truly [important]."
