Moana 2 confirms return of original star for surprise sequel
Original Moana star Auli’i Cravalho is officially returning for the upcoming sequel movie.
The surprise follow-up to the 2016 Disney hit was confirmed earlier this month, having initially been planned as a TV series.
While casting news was not disclosed at the time, Cravalho – who voiced the titular character in the first film – has now revealed that she will be coming back.
Related: Dwayne Johnson offers Moana live-action remake update after Moana 2 news
Taking to her Instagram page, the actress posted a clip of herself at Disney's animation studios while lip syncing to Beyoncé's 'Texas Hold 'Em', with the words: "That feeling when you’re officially returning to Motunui."
"We’re sailing WAY beyond the reef this November… #Moana2," she captioned the post, while Disney confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that the news was true.
Moana 2 will be directed by Dave Derrick Jr, and will feature new songs by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, who were behind The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical, while composers Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi will return.
Speaking early this month upon the sequel's announcement about changing the project from a TV series to a movie, Disney boss Bob Iger explained: "We were impressed by what we saw, and knew it deserved a theatrical release."
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The film's synopsis reads: “Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical Moana 2 takes audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers.
"After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.”
As well as a Moana sequel, a live-action remake of the first movie is in the works, which will see Dwayne Johnson reprise his role as demigod Maui. Cravalho will not play Moana in the reboot, though remains on board as an executive producer.
Moana 2 is set for release in cinemas on November 27. Moana is available to stream now on Disney+.
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